Safe houses for Valley sarpanches, others

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, May 20

Amid the looming militant threat, the Jammu and Kashmir Government has decided to lodge the vulnerable panchayat members and municipal corporators in safe houses.

At least three political workers, including 60-year-old BJP Anantnag vice-president Gul Mohommad Mir, have been killed by militants so far this month.

Militants had also issued frequent threats during the elections to urban local bodies and panchayats last year. 

“In view of the heightened risk to sarpanches, municipal councillors, mayors and presidents, in case any of them required safe accommodation, they will be provided a secure room at the state or district level,” said an official. A police officer said over 200 councillors and panchayat members had already been provided safe accommodation. 

Baramulla MC chief Omar Kakroo, however, denied being given any security and said members were putting up in hotels on their own. J&K Panchayat Conference chief Shafi Mir said, “We have 4,499 sarpanches; none has been provided security.”