Excelsior Correspondent
KISHTWAR, Dec 20: National Conference (NC) staged demonstration in Kishtwar to protest against the killing of seven civilians in Pulwama recently.
The protesters, including the party functionaries and workers, expressed shock and anguish over the killings and urged the Governor’s administration to make the security forces accountable and ensuring collateral damages. They also expressed concern over the prevailing atmosphere of mistrust and intolerance that has led to fear psychosis across the State.
In a statement, National Conference Central Secretary and Former Minister Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo expressed anguish and concern over growing incidents of civilian killings, saying this must stop forthwith. He sought accountability of the security forces while carrying out operations and ensure that the civilians are not harmed in any way.
Kichloo also urged the State Human Rights Commission to intervene in this matter and take such measures where in the Government and the security forces are made accountable for civilian killings. He said killing of civilians can’t be accepted and the administration should ensure adherence to Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).
Former Minister assailed the BJP for maintaining mute silence over such killings, saying the party has lost the will to deal in Kashmir as per the path shown by former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, who believed in addressing the issues in true spirit of Jamhooriayat, Insaanyat and Kashmiryat. He said a rein of fear has been unleashed in the Valley which has put the humanity in danger.
Kichloo also sought setting up of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to look into the circumstances leading to civilian killings in Pulwama, which he described as cold blooded murder. He sought prosecution of the forces for use of excessive force on unarmed civilians and punishment to those involved in the unfortunate killings.
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