Vol. XL No. 31 July 31, 2016
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End Use of Brutal Force & Pellet Guns against Protesters

A DELEGATION of CPI(M) comprising of Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, Ghulam Nabi Malik, Mohd. Afzal Parry and Mohd Amin Dar met union home minister, Rajnath Singh on July 24. The delegation appraised him about the deepening of massive unrest in Kashmir and its fall out. The outburst of mass protests throughout Kashmir demonstrates the growing and deepening alienation of the people, particularly the youth. The response of the authorities has resulted in unfortunate deaths of dozens of unarmed civilians and thousands who got injured. There has to be an immediate end to this use of brutal force against protesters. Use of indiscriminate pellet guns making number of our youths blind must be stopped forthwith, they said. The delegation urged upon the home minister to initiate a process of unconditional dialogue with all the stakeholders particularly the voices of dissent. There is urgent need to reach out to all sections of people particularly youth who feel grossly harassed and humiliated. Repeat of adhoc approach to address the issues is bound to further deepen the disillusionment. The people of Kashmir believe that they have been ignored time and again and whatever promises have been made have not been fulfilled or any initiatives taken previously have not been taken forward. Virtually it is being perceived that people of Kashmir have been betrayed and hoodwinked time and again. This is the time that those who are at the helm of affairs must draw lessons and understand the serious implications of the situation. We are afraid if appropriate response is not evolved situation may get worsened in coming future, the delegation said. The delegation urged upon the government of India (GOI) to take immediate measures which can treat the wounds and address the injured psyche of Kashmiris. It brooks no delay, they noted.