Srinagar, Aug 31 (KNS): Former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir and National Conference president, Dr Farooq Abdullah Tuesday expressed regret that his party didn't participate in the 2018 panchayat polls in Jammu and Kashmir.

He stated this while speaking at parliamentary outreach programme for strengthening Parliamentary Raj Institutions (PRIs). 

Abdullah exuded confidence that soon a government will be formed in J&K, which will make officials answerable to people. 

Notably, National Conference had not participated in the panchayat polls held in September 2018 and also boycotted the Block Development Council (BDC) polls held in 2019 after the abrogation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status.

Requesting Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who was present on the dais, for providing security to panchayat leaders, Abdullah said they are being targeted by militants.

Farooq expressed his anguish that government officials of the Jammu and Kashmir administration don't pick phones as if some ghost is hanging upon them, while requesting Sinha to instruct officials to answer phone calls of people. 

He also said that the politicians who are standing with the country are the target of militants, and it is for the country to protect them. (KNS)