news details |
|
|
| Mirwaiz, Mahbooba stress need for demilitarization | | | Early times Report
Jammu, Apr 25: Hurriyat Chairman, Mirwaiz Umer Farooq and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president and leader of opposition in the legislative assembly, Mahbooba Mufti Sunday demanded withdrawal of troops from densely populated areas. They also sought repeal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA). Mirwaiz said incidents like Kellar, Shopian could not be prevented unless the troops are withdrawn from densely populated areas. "He said India and Pakistan must bury the hatchet and take measures for resolution of the Kashmir dispute. Mirwaiz also demanded repeal of draconian laws that confer vast powers on the armed forces.
Expressing serious concern over what she called alarming increase in human rights violations, Mahbooba Mufti demanded repeal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) Sunday. Mahbooba said the human rights situation would improve if demilitarization is undertaken in the state. "Situation is going from bad to worse. It had improved since 2002 but we are back to square one", she said while taking a dig at National Conference-Congress coalition regime. "Ever since the National Conference took over the state, the graph of rights abuses has registered an increase notwithstanding the promises of zero tolerance by the Chief Minister", she said. Mahbooba urged the people to join hands to launch a united campaign against rights abuses. "Students and elderly people have not been spared in this regime. The people alone can do it. No power on earth can ignore the decision of the people", she said.
Mahbooba said demilitarization and repeal of AFSPA alone could ensure return of peace and tranquility in the state. "For resolution of the Kashmir dispute, the government has to repeal draconian laws and send the troops to barracks", she said.
Expressed sympathy with the bereaved family, Mufti urged the government to identify the persons responsible for the killing of Ghulam Muhammad Kalas and punish them in accordance with law. "The government must take tangible steps for rehabilitation of the bereaved family", she demanded. Kalas got killed when troops opened fire on a group of protesters at Shopian Satrurday. The police have registered a murder case against the troops.
However, a defense spokesman told the media persons today that the protesters pelted stones on the army causing injury to 24 troopers.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
