JKUM Organizes Peaceful Protest in Ganderbal Against Misuse of PRI Funds and Delay in Panchayat Elections.

HAYAT UBAID

Daily Maqsad

In a strong assertion of democratic values and grassroots empowerment, the Jammu and Kashmir United Movement (JKUM), under the leadership of its President and former MLA Sheikh Ishfaq Jabbar, held a peaceful protest demonstration today at Tahweed Chowk, Ganderbal.

The protest was organized to raise concerns over the alleged diversion of Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) funds and the continued delay in the conduct of Panchayat elections in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.The protest, under the banner of “Ganderbal Chalo”, witnessed participation from PRI representatives, civil society members, and concerned citizens.

The JKUM submitted a memorandum addressed to the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Union Home Minister, and the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, through the Deputy Commissioner, Ganderbal.The memorandum highlighted what the JKUM termed a “grave violation of the Panchayati Raj Act”, alleging that PRI funds, meant for decentralized development through elected Panchayat bodies, are being diverted to non-elected MLAs under the guise of Constituency Development Funds (CDFs).

“This is not merely about financial allocations. It concerns the very spirit of democracy and local self-governance. Elected Panchayat representatives must be empowered to carry out their constitutional duties without interference,” said Sheikh Ishfaq Jabbar while addressing the gathering.

The JKUM also expressed strong resentment over the delay in Panchayat elections, describing it as a serious constitutional lapse and a violation of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment, which mandates a three-tier system of grassroots governance.