Electoral tussle: Hindu Panchayat dispute sparks tension in Jacobabad

SUKKUR:

A dispute about the Hindu Panchayat elections among two groups of the community in Jacobabad has sparked tensions in the city, with political interference adding fuel to the fire.

According to the constitution of the Hindu Panchayat, elections should be held every two years. However, Lal Chand Seetlani, the sitting president, was unwilling to dissolve the body, saying that he has yet to complete his tenure. Meanwhile, sources claimed that former Hindu Panchayat president Baboo Mahesh Kumar had forcibly occupied property belonging to the body during his tenure, which Seetlani wanted him to evacuate.

The district administration intervened, asking Seetlani to dissolve the body and form a caretaker setup in order to hold fresh elections but the president refused. Upon this, Kumar sought the help of Pakistan Peoples Party MNA Aijaz Jakhrani, who put his support behind the former panchayat president. The situation was further complicated by Babul Jakhrani, Aijaz's father and rival, throwing his weight behind Seetlani.

Talking to The Express Tribune, Seetlani claimed that his term in office will expire on April 10, 2016, after which fresh elections will be held. "Kumar is not eligible to contest the panchayat elections because he has occupied property belonging to the body," he said. "He should evacuate these properties before going for the elections, which will be held next year."

The sitting president explained that Babul had called him on Wednesday evening, assuring him of his full support. "We do not want to create an ugly situation," he added. "I am hopeful that the matter will be resolved amicably by the Hindu Council."

Jacobabad deputy commissioner Shahzaman Khuhro said that although the district administration had nothing to do with the Hindu Panchayat's elections, the interference of political elements had forced them to intervene in order to avert any untoward incidents.

"I recently called both the parties to my office to settle the dispute. After thorough deliberations, they agreed to hold the elections every two years but, after leaving my office, the sitting president refused to abide by the agreement," explained Khuhro.

According to the deputy commissioner, the situation in the city became very tense on Wednesday since Aijaz and Babul Jakhrani were openly supporting rival groups.

Kumar, when contacted, was busy and could not give his comments about the dispute.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 9^th, 2015.