Jammu Tawi, Mar 10: With the killing of two panchayat members in Kashmir this year, leaders of various political parties have blamed the government for failing to provide security to panchayat members in different parts of Kashmir.
A sarpanch, Sameer Ahmad Bhat, was killed by militants inside his house at Khanmoh, Srinagar, on Wednesday evening. Earlier in February, another independent panchayat member, Mohammad Yaqun Dar from Kulgam was killed at his village. The killing of panchayat members has again created panic among the political workers as they fear they could be targeted due to the lack of security.
Aftab Malik, DDC chairman, Srinagar, said the sarpanch wasn't provided security which led to his killing. “He (Bhat) was a young and promising political worker who was killed inside his house by unidentified gunmen,” he said.
Malik said he had shifted to his house in the same area but was forced to move out in the night. “Despite requests, no security has been provided at my house. So I was compelled to move in a single room that the government has provided me at the Circuit House. From the past one year, the government has failed to provide me a proper accommodation where I can be able to continue my work. Same is case with other political workers, especially panchayat workers,” Malik said.
Another political worker also blamed the government for not providing security to political workers. “I have been cleared for security three months ago, still security isn't being provided to me or other leaders,” said a political leader from city's Lal Chowk area. “While top political leaders enjoy good security cover, the panchayat members or other workers have been left at the mercy of the almighty,” he said.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took a dig at the security situation in Kashmir. “Contrary to the tall claims of the administration, such recurring attacks highlight the deteriorating security scenario in Kashmir,” the PDP said in a statement.
