Hunger strike against shifting of 10 panchayats to Dehra block

The local residents and panchayat representatives have launched a chain hunger strike at Nagrota Surian in Kangra district protesting against the recent administrative decision to shift 10 panchayats from the Nagrota Surian block to the Dehra block during the delimitation process, which was notified, early this month.

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The protesting villagers, under the banner of the Block Bachao Sangharsh Samiti, argue that these panchayats had been part of Nagrota Surian for the past 53 years and their sudden merger into Dehra block has created severe logistical challenges for them.

They allege that the increased distance from the new block headquarters has effectively stalled development work in the affected villages.

"The nearest and most accessible block headquarters for these panchayats is Nagrota Surian. This arbitrary move has only created hardship for the local population," said Sangharsh Samiti co-convenor Jaswant Singh.

Among those participating in the protest are Katholi panchayat pradhan Gurcharan Singh Bedi, former Pradhan Sanjay Mahajan, ex-serviceman Captain Ram Krishna, social activist Ashok Kumar. Lieutenant Kishori Lal (retired), Captain Ram Krishan (retired), Pradhan of Barial village Kavi Guleria and representatives of local villages panchayats.

The protestors are demanding immediate reversal of the decision and reattachment of the 10 panchayats to Nagrota Surian block.

Jaswant Singh said that the panchayat representatives of each of the 10 panchayats will sit on hunger strike on alternative days. "We are also talking to the panchayat representatives of other villages of these two block who have in principle given support to us. They will soon come and join the hunger strike with us", he added.

The protesters alleged that the Congress government has changed the administrative block of 10 villages for vested political interests. The Dehra Assembly constituency is represented by Kamlesh Thakur who is the wife of Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu.

The agitation is gaining momentum, with villagers from all 10 affected panchayats and also other nearby villages and local social organisations joining the demonstration in shifts. The protesters have vowed to continue the hunger strike until their demand is met.