Srinagar, Dec 15: Mainstream political parties in Kashmir condemned the killing of civilians allegedly in security forces’ action during an encounter in Pulwama district Saturday, saying Governor Satya Pal Malik-led administration has “failed” to secure lives of the people.
Seven civilians died in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district when security forces allegedly opened fire at an unruly crowd that tried to storm the site of an encounter in which three militants and Army man were killed
No probe enough to bring back the dead innocent civilians.South Kashmir has been reeling under fear for the last 6 months.Is this what was expected from Gov rule? The admin has failed in securing civilian lives. Deepest condolences to the bereaved (sic),” PDP president and former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti tweeted.
She said no country can win a war by killing its own people.
“How long are we going to shoulder the coffins of our youngsters? So many civilians killed today post encounter in Pulwama. No country can win a war by killing its own people. I strongly condemn these killings, and once again appeal for efforts, to stop this blood bath (sic),” Mufti said in another tweet.
National Conference (NC) vice-president Omar Abdullah said the encounter was “badly executed”.
“6 civilians killed and numerous more injured, many critically. Any way you look at it this was a badly executed encounter. Protests around encounter sites are now the norm not the exception. Why are we unable to learn how to handle them better? (sic)” Omar tweeted.
“Another blood soaked weekend in Kashmir. 6 protestors killed, 1 solider killed in the line of duty. Together with the 3 militants from this morning’s encounter that’s 10 dead. Reports of many injured at the encounter site. What a horrible day! (sic)” he said in another tweet.
“7 dead. There is no explanation for this excessive use of force, none what so ever. This is a massacre & that’s the only way to describe it,” he said in another tweet later in the day.
The NC leader said the Governor’s administration appears “not doing anything on restoring peace” in the “troubled Valley”.
“The administration of Governor Malik has one task & one task only – to focus on the security of the people of J&K & restore peace to a troubled valley. Sadly it appears that’s the only thing the administration is not doing. Publicity campaigns & full page ads don’t bring peace,” he tweeted.
Separatist-turned-mainstream leader and former minister Sajad Lone said the administration needs to “seriously evaluate” the costs of such anti-militancy operations.
“Extremely disturbing news coming from Pulwama. The administration needs to seriously evaluate the costs of its operations. If there is even a remote chance of civilians getting killed during military operations it is better to call off such operations,” Lone said in a tweet.
He expressed hope that the administration abandons “its Rambo mindset”.
“My heartfelt thoughts with the families of those who lost their lives in Pulwama. I just pray that Almighty takes us out of the perpetual state of mourning that we seem to have been sucked into. And also hope that administration abandons its Rambo mindset,” Lone said.
“The preparedness of security forces would in the Pulwama context be the ability to make the distinction between combatants and non-combatants. If u end up killing 7 civilians in order to kill 3 militants. It is time for heads to roll. We can’t afford a state of impunity,” he said in another tweet.
Killing won’t end unless int’l community intervenes: Biz Chamber
Monitor News Bureau
Srinagar, Dec 15: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCC&I) Saturday condemned the repetitive killings of innocent and unarmed civilians by the government forces.
“The latest in the series of such fatalities has resulted in seven civilians losing their lives and more than a hundred being injured in Kharpora Sirnoo, Pulwama,” a spokesman of the Chamber said.
He added that the KCC&I has time and again urged for cessation of hostile operations in civilian areas and demanded resolution of the dispute of the J&K through a structured, meaningful and effective dialogue amongst stakeholders.
“The policy of killing innocents with impunity needs to stop. We urge for accountability and demand exemplary punishment of those involved in the killings,” the spokesman said.
“The policy makers need to realize that the use of brutal force against civilian population is yielding no results except creating a situation of chaos and anarchy in the State. We appeal to human rights organisations, wherever they be, to take note of the repeated violations and the naked acts of aggression against unarmed civil population seeking peaceful resolution to the conflict. We see no end in sight to the bloodshed unless the international community, which has so far chosen to watch silently, intervenes and ensures that steps are taken for settlement of the dispute,” he added.
Section 144 imposed in Pulwama
Monitor News Bureau
Srinagar, Dec 15: The District Magistrate Pulwama Saturday imposed restrictions under section 144 of Cr PC in the district in view of the apprehension of breach of peace.
As per an official handout issued here, the restriction shall stand till further orders. Bonafide medical and other emergencies, however, shall be exempted from the restrictions.
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