Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Pradesh Congress Committee president Saifuddin Soz on Monday said he discussed measures with union home minister Sushil Kumar Shinde to strengthen panchayats in Kashmir.

"We discussed about the political situation in Jammu and Kashmir. These subjects included measures that are needed to strengthen sarpanches and panches in the state," said Soz in a statement.

Soz met the union home minister in New Delhi. "I also suggested that the government of India should sanction a special grant to the J&K government for offering honorarium to the sarpanches and panches," said Soz adding, "he would be writing to the union home minister."

Soz said Shinde assured him of a positive action.