Srinagar:
Fear has gripped many in the Kashmir valley after two sarpanches were murdered by terrorists in the last two weeks. There are reports that nearly 150 panchayat members have quit since Monday fearing for their life.
"I don't want do this job now. I apologise to people - please forgive me, I couldn't deliver. The government didn't listen to us. When we go to government offices we are treated like beggars," said Mohammad Ibram Ganai, who quit as deputy sarpanch.
In his village, Mr Ganai carries an affidavit even to the fields he tills as proof that he has resigned as deputy sarpanch.
Over 700 sarpanches have quit in the last eight months because of fear. It's a huge political blow to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah who helped hold panchayat elections in the state after a gap of more than 30 years in April last year.
Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi has slammed Mr Abdullah's government for failing to devolve powers to the sarpanches, saying they have not been given their due.
"Panchayat elections were held in Jammu and Kashmir but those who were elected, weren't given powers," said Mr Gandhi.
A group of 10 panchayat members from Jammu and Kashmir will meet Mr Gandhi in Delhi today to apprise him of the challenges they have been facing. These panchayat members are demanding greater security as they have become soft targets for militants.
Mr Abdullah, meanwhile, assured panchayat members today that their security will be enhanced, especially in sensitive areas. The Chief Minister added that the government would not allow terrorists to derail grassroots democracy in the state.
"The government will not remain a silent spectator to these attacks and would take all necessary measures to ensure their safety and security, particularly in vulnerable areas," he told reporters.
Under fire over recent attacks on panches and sarpanches, Mr Abdullah asserted that attempts to derail the panchayat process by the militants would be thwarted.
"These cowards are killing soft targets, why don't they try to kill me? Wherever possible, given our constraints, we will protect the sarpanches," said Mr Abdullah.
"There was an attempt to derail elections last year by militants or through separatist campaigns. Today, as well, there are attempts to derail this process. We have to fight against these forces. These people with a gun are the worst enemies of the state," he added.
For now, the bigger challenge will be to restore calm within the grassroots polity.
"We get no returns, not even a penny. I fear for my life after the killing," said Tahira, a sarpanch.
But the determined Omar Abdullah is sticking to plans to hold block level elections in November.
A year ago, these very people were elected by an overwhelming majority despite boycott calls. Police say the killing and intimidation is part of militant plot to subvert democracy, but these panchayat members are asking how the government can absolve itself from the responsibility, not only to protect the lives of panchayat members but also to empower them for sustenance the democracy in Jammu and Kashmir.