BJP demands empowerment of Panchayat Raj system in JK

Jammu, Feb 21 (PTI) BJP today sat on a dharna heredemanding implementation of 73rd and 74th Amendments of thePanchayati Raj -- aiming at devolution of powers of planningto councils at district, block and village level -- ahead ofthe Panchayat elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

Led by its national executive member and former JK BJPchief Nirmal Singh, BJP activists sat on dharna in front ofthe press club and accused the government of deliberately notempowering the Panchayat Raj system in the state.

"Panchayat elections should be held after implementingthe 73rd and 74th amendment of Panchayat Raj system," Singhsaid.

The protesters said it is strange that though JK is anintegral part of India, the 73rd and 74th amendment which havebeen implemented in all other states, are not applicable inJK. It is a mockery of democracy, they said.