Panchayat polls caught in statehood debate as J&K waits for grassroots representation

Srinagar, Oct 23: Jammu & Kashmir’s overdue Panchayat elections have become entangled in a larger political question over the restoration of statehood, with the ruling National Conference (NC) arguing that the Centre must first empower the elected government and explain why its repeated assurances on statehood remain unfulfilled. The debate has acquired a sharper edge after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah told the Legislative Assembly recently that Panchayat elections would be held at an “appropria

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