Farooq Abdullah meets Guv, demands free & fair Panchayat elections

Jammu: Dr. Farooq Abdullah, M. P. and President of National Conference, met Governor N.N. Vohra at the Raj Bhavan here Monday, and informed that his party was looking forward to the forthcoming Panchayat elections, which were long overdue.
The former Chief Minister complained that the indirect election of the Sarpanch shall vitiate the essence of the Panchayati Raj institutional framework. He also demanded that full details of the delimitation of Panchayats recently done by the State Government should be placed in the public domain. He stressed the need for all the candidates being provided effective security and the sanctity of Gram Sabhas being strictly maintained till the elections were concluded.
Dr. Abdullah expressed serious concern and warned about the lack of required action to prevent the rapid pace at which drug smuggling and trafficking were spreading in the State. He also complained about the virtual stoppage of registration of residents under the Aadhar Card scheme and complained that those who are without such identity cards are facing serious problems in carrying out their day to day businesses.
Dr. Abdullah informed Governor about his recent tours to difficult areas in the Valley, including Machhil, Keran and Tithwal, and complained about the very poor condition of roads, unsatisfactory health facilities and delays in the implementation of important development works. Governor and Dr. Abdullah also discussed several issues relating to the restoration of normalcy in the State.