Panchayat, urban local body polls to be held soon in J&K: L-G Manoj Sinha

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday said panchayat and urban local body elections will be held soon in the Union Territory. Sinha on Saturday visited the Jhiri Mela and paid obeisance to Baba Jitto at his Samadhi in Jhiri village of Jammu region.

The last panchayat and ULB elections were held between October and December in 2018, and the elected entities have already completed their five-year term. The elections could not be held on time due various reasons, including the ongoing process of delimitation and reservation of wards for the Other Backward Classes (OBCs).

The J&K administration has already initiated the process to update the electoral roll starting November 11, following a directive from the State Election Commission (SEC) to publish the revised list by January 6 next year.

At Jhiri Mela ground, the Lt Governor addressed a large gathering of farmers and devotees. Speaking on the occasion, he said the annual event reminds all about the sacrifices of farming families and their vital role in serving and nurturing humanity.

“Jhiri Mela symbolises cultural unity of India and the tradition tied in the thread of social values provides an opportunity to the people to learn about our heritage, culture, art and craft,” Sinha said.

The Lieutenant Governor shared the resolve of the government to transform the agriculture sector. “Empowering farmers of the Union Territory of J&K is my mission and we have taken strategic steps to accelerate transformation in agriculture and allied sectors. We will ensure our youth in rural areas get equal opportunities to shine,” the Lieutenant Governor added.

Sinha also reiterated his commitment to protect the rights of displaced families of POJK, West Pakistan Refugees, tribals, Valmikis and other deprived sections.

On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor felicitated progressive farmers, and officials engaged in the conduct of Jhiri Mela. He also visited the stalls put up by the government departments, agri-entrepreneurs and farmers. The event also featured impressive performances by the artists showcasing the rich art and culture of the region.

Jhiri Mela is held every year during “Kartik Purnima” when devotees pay obeisance at the Baba Jitto temple in Jhiri village on the Jammu-Akhnoor national highway.

Scores of devotees, mainly from the Jammu region, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Haryana, visit the fair each year to commemorate the sacrifice of Baba Jitto, a farmer who gave up his life in protest against the oppressive demands of a zamindar about 500 years ago.