In written reply to Rajya Sabha, Deo said, "A total of 80 panches and sarpanches have tendered their resignation following terror threats in last one year. But of these 68 members have withdrawn their resignations."
On measures taken by the J&K government to provide security to panches and sarpanches, he said, "Jammu and Kashmir government has taken some measures to ensure security to the elected representatives of panchayats. This includes night patrolling by security forces in areas which are perceived to be vulnerable to such attacks."
He said three panches were killed by militants in Rampora, Palhalan and Nowpora in September this year.
