There should be immediate cessation of hostilities by security forces in Kashmir, Janhastakshep, a people’s intervention group, has asserted.
The organisation, which held a public meeting early this week, noted that the Valley has been on the boil for nearly a year since the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani.
“Operations by security personnel is the prime reason for the escalation of violence in Kashmir. All political activists and youth who have been jailed for participation in protests should be immediately released and the cases against them should be withdrawn,” said Janhastakshep co-convener Vikas Bajpai.
‘Human rights violation’
The group has also demanded that the draconian Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) be immediately withdrawn from the Valley. The security personnel responsible for committing human rights violation should be prosecuted in accordance with law, the group further said.
“The government should desist from tampering with the provisions in the Constitution, such as the attempt to alter Article 35A, which confer a special status on Kashmir. As a beginning, the Central government should file a counter-affidavit in the Supreme Court, as was done on three occasions when the Article came up before the court. Attempts should be made to ensure the safe return of Kashmiri Pandits to the Valley,” read a release issued by Janhastakshep.
