Srinagar, January 6:
In a major move to bolster local governance in the Kashmir Valley, the All Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Conference (AJKPC) formally inaugurated its regional office in Srinagar today. The expansion is seen as a strategic milestone in the organization’s mission to empower grassroots democratic institutions and enhance political engagement across the union territory.
A Common Platform for Local Leaders
The office was inaugurated by Anil Sharma, President of AJKPC, alongside senior functionaries of the organization. During his keynote address, Sharma expressed his gratitude to the Kashmir-based leadership for their dedicated efforts in establishing this permanent base.
He emphasized that the Srinagar office would act as a centralized hub not just for current AJKPC members, but also for former representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) to collaborate and address local grievances.
Call to Youth: “Elections are Your Fundamental Right”
With local polls on the horizon, Sharma made a passionate appeal to the youth of Kashmir. He urged them to step forward and participate actively in the upcoming Panchayat and Urban Local Body (ULB) elections.
“Participating in the democratic process is not just a constitutional responsibility but a fundamental right of every young Kashmiri. This office will play a pivotal role in encouraging new leadership from the grassroots,” Sharma stated.
Preparing for the Polls
The President directed the Kashmir division leadership to remain in high gear for the upcoming electoral challenges. The establishment of this institutional support center is expected to: Better engagement with stakeholders in far-flung districts of Kashmir, Streamline interaction between local representatives and democratic institutions and Ensure that the voices of the marginalized are heard at the policy level.
Key Attendees
The inauguration ceremony saw the participation of several prominent AJKPC members, including: Mohd Safi Khan, Nazir Ahmed Rather, Bashir Malik, Jaan Mohd, Razia Malik, Mohd Younes, Faiyez Ahmed, Nazia Jaan, Shaan Mohd, Maqbul Ahmed, and Chaudhry Anwar.
