AJKPC hits out at ex-interlocutor over Panchayat Raj amendment

All Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Conference (AJKPC) today said that the implementation of constitutional amendment of Panchayat Raj Act in J&K will not erode autonomy of the state but will empower people at the grass root level.
"The implementation of 73rd and 74th amendments of Indian constitution provide more powers to the local bodies like Panchayats and urban local bodies which means the people are given more autonomy to take decisions regarding the development of their respective areas. Thus these do not erode J&K's autonomy but give more autonomy to the people", AJKPC Chairman Shafiq Mir told reporters today.
Mir was reacting over the reported remarks of the former Kashmir Interlocutor Prof Radha Kumar stating that Jammu and Kashmir Government should not implement provisions of the 73rd amendment to its Panchayati Raj Act as "it would lead to the erosion of Special Status of the State".

She however has said that state government could incorporate some of the "best self-made provisions" in their Panchayati Raj Act without touching the 73rd amendment.