Srinagar, Feb 11 (Reporter) All Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Conference (AJKPC) on Tuesday demanded immediate conduct of Panchayat elections in the Union Territory. In a statement here, AJKPC President Anil Sharma urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to conduct the Panchayat elections to restore democratic representation at the gross root level in Jammu and Kashmir. Highlighting the crucial role of Panchayati Raj institutions in grassroots governance, Sharma emphasized the need for urgent action to restore democratic representation at the village level. He expressed concern over the absence of elected Panchayats for more than a year since their dissolution on January 9, 2024. “This prolonged void has severely impacted rural governance, delayed developmental projects, and hindered the effective implementation of government welfare schemes across Jammu and Kashmir”, the AJKPC president said . Sharma stated that without elected Panchs and Sarpanchs, villagers have been left without their direct representatives, leading to stagnation in decision-making, delays in infrastructure projects, and inefficiencies in delivering welfare schemes to rural populations. “Despite repeated appeals, the government has yet to issue the notification for Panchayat elections, causing growing frustration among the people”, he said. The AJKPC President urged the authorities to prioritize the democratic rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and initiate the election process without further delay. The absence of elected Panchayati representatives has led to serious governance and developmental setbacks in rural areas. Sharma stated, the prolonged delay in Panchayat elections is not just a constitutional failure but also a betrayal of the democratic aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir”. “The delay in Panchayat elections has led to governance challenges, development stagnation, and increased public dissatisfaction”, he said, adding “the government must recognize the urgency of the situation and act immediately to ensure the polls are conducted without further delay”...////...