The Hindu : Front Page : Kashmir parties condemn firing

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Wednesday, Aug 13, 2008
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Kashmir parties condemn firing

Shujaat Bukhari

Spraying bullets on unarmed protesters a brazen defiance of civilised conduct: Mufti

SRINAGAR: Political parties cutting across party lines have strongly condemned the firing on civilians who have been taking to the streets in a bid to cross the Line of Control. They expressed shock at the death of senior Hurriyat leader Sheikh Abdul Aziz in police firing in Baramulla on Monday and demanded an impartial probe.

The People’s Democratic Party founder and former Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, said the law enforcing agencies must exercise maximum restraint while dealing with the situation and should not make matters worse by shedding the blood of innocents.

Expressing grief at the loss of lives in police firing across the Valley and in Kishtwar district, the Mufti said in a statement that spraying bullets on unarmed protesters was a brazen defiance of civilised conduct.

“In Kashmir, thousands have already been killed in similar circumstances and this is in no way the option to resolve the crisis,” he said and added that instead of adding fuel to the fire by the actions that were totally uncalled for, efforts must be made to normalise the situation through a humane approach.

Emphasising the urgency of making the Srinagar-Muzafarabad road operational for the movement of people and goods, the Mufti said that responding to public sentiment on both sides, the governments of India and Pakistan must formalise hassle-free movement through a time-bound mechanism.

The former Chief Minister and National Conference leader, Farooq Abdullah, condemned the police brutality on peaceful protesters across Kashmir. Expressing his deep sorrow at the death of Aziz, Dr. Abdullah said the use of force was disproportionate and excessive. He conveyed his condolences to the family of Sheikh Aziz and of other innocent people who were killed in police firing.

NC president Omar Abdullah said the administration had to connect with the people to understand their grievances. The administration should exercise restraint when dealing with the sentiments of the people.

CPI(M) State secretary M.Y. Tarigami expressed sorrow over the death of many people, including Aziz. He demanded a judicial inquiry into the incident that took place at Chahal Uri on Monday. He termed the police action against protesters unfortunate and demanded immediate relief to the families of the victims and those who were injured in the incident.

The All Parties Hurriyat Conference demanded an impartial probe into the killing of its leader, Sheikh Aziz, and others. A Hurriyat spokesman said, “it has exposed Indian democracy and also the administration’s double standards in dealing with situation in Srinagar and Jammu.”

The Jamaat-i-Islami condemned the killing of Hurriyat leader Sheikh Aziz and others.

“Fanatics in Jammu were not controlled but here peaceful processions leading towards Muzafarabad were attacked and people were killed. The international community, especially the Muslim world, should take immediate notice of the situation here.”

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