Srinagar
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said there had been a decline in the stone-throwing incidents and recruitment of militants during the past four months while several initiatives were being taken for the employment of youth in J&K. He also appealed to all political parties to participate in the panchayat elections.

The Home Minister stated this after reviewing the security situation and developmental projects at a meeting held in the Sher-e-Kashmir International Conference Centre here today. Addressing a press conference at Nehru Guest House before returning to New Delhi this evening, the Home Minister said the Central and state governments were moving towards overall development of J&K.

Rajnath said the recent civic elections were held in a fair and transparent manner and the state was making adequate arrangements for the smooth conduct of the panchayat elections beginning on November 17.

The Home Minister said he had appealed to all political parties to participate in the panchayat elections for the overall development at the grass-roots level. He met five delegations, including those from major parties such as the National Conference, PDP, Congress, and the BJP. The delegations conveyed their stand on various issues, including the security scenario and civic elections in the state. “I appealed to all parties to participate in the panchayat elections… and those who are not participating in the democratic process are not doing any service to the people,” he commented.