Omar govt harming democratic bodies: Sayeed

Jammu, Oct 14: Accusing the

government of eroding sanctity of democratic institutions in the state, the People's Democratic Party (

) on Sunday said the government's decisions have "shattered" peoples' faith in the democracy.

"The National Conference-led government has brazenly eroded sanctity of all democratic institutions in the state. The deceit tactics of the government is undermining such institutions and has badly shattered peoples' faith in the democracy," PDP Patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed said in a public meeting in Samba district.

He said PDP will keep working for strengthening democratic institutions in the state.

Raising apprehensions over government's decisions, Sayeed said, "on one hand, the government has announced BDC elections while on the other hand, coalition partners have decided to amend the existing Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Raj Act."

He said by delaying the urban local body polls, the government also disrespected the institution of Governor as it was the Governor who had said about holding of these polls.

"I fail to understand why government is shying away from its duty to conduct these elections. Formation of ULB are must to empower the people of urban areas," he said.

He opposed the decision of the government to put a cap on subsidised LPG cylinder.

"Entire state is badly hit by the LPG crises and it is a need of the hour to give some relief to the people," Sayeed said, pointing out that while all Congress-ruled states have hiked cap of subsidised cylinders from 6 to 9 cylinders, no such step is taken in Jammu and Kashmir.

"Congress is partner of the present government so that same criteria should also be adopted in this State also," he said.

PTI