Srinagar

Police on Tuesday foiled the march of National Conference and detained scores of its leaders after they tried to march towards Raj Bhavan against the recent killing spree in Kashmir.

National Conference leaders staged a protest march against civilian killings. KL Image by Bilal Bahadur

Raising anti-government slogans, the NC workers, led by party General Secretary and MLA Khanyar, Ali Muhammad Sagar, were holding placards and banners.

The march started from party headquarters at Nawa-e-Subh complex and was heading towards Raj Bhawan.

However, a large posse of police and paramilitary forces intercepted them near Radio Kashmir Srinagar.

Sagar while talking to reporters condemned the civilian killings at Kulgam, saying that the Government of India must put an immediate end to the civilian killings hereby initiating a dialogue process to resolve the Kashmir issue.

Sagar implored upon New Delhi to shun the big-headed attitude, “The undecided disposition of New Delhi is taking a toll on every sector of our state. The situation is already brimful; the dim-witted and aggressive attitude of the government could lead to more disaster.”

Addressing the rally additional general secretary Dr. Sheikh Mustafa Kamal said that the dispensation which is at the helm of affairs in New Delhi is inimical towards the special status of the state. “On one side New Delhi says that Jammu and Kashmir is the crown of India, but in the very same tone, they want to desecrate the bond that connects Jammu and Kashmir with the union of India. The people of Jammu and Kashmir will stand against any such machinations that aim to fiddle with our special status,” he said.

The rally was also addressed by provincial president Nasir Aslam Wani. Addressing the rally he said that the operation all out, CASO, night crackdowns have instilled fear psychosis among people and the worst affected are youth. “The rampant human right violations are triggering outrage and are bound to push the already aggrieved people to the wall. This has to end and government of India has to come forward and make a gesture,” he said adding, “The way police intercepted our peaceful protest was uncalled for. Some of our senior leaders suffered minor injuries in the protest rally.”

Strongly denouncing the unabated killing of civilians in the valley particularly in Kulgam, state secretary Sakina Itoo said that vicious circle of killing must end and that the incumbent administration has so far failed to identify the perpetrators of Kulgam massacre in which seven youth were killed. “The state administration has failed to instill a sense of security and dignity in the general public especially youth. The youth already stand estranged due to the iron fist strategy of the incumbent administration,” she said.

North Zone President Mohammad Akbar Lone said: “Serving slogans and catchwords won’t pacify the situation, the youth of Kashmir are worst hit and a sincere process of engagement with all stakeholders is what Kashmiris look-for.”

Among others who spoke on the occasion include senior leader and former speaker Mubarak Gul, central secretary Mir Saifullah, former MP Shariefudin Shariq, central Zone president Ali Mohammad Dar.

South Zone president Dr. Bashir Veeri while condemning the killings in Kulgam said, “It’s highly unfortunate how young people in Kulgam lost their lives. Many theories are being floated but the exact circumstances in which these killings happened are still not known. Its therefore expected from the administration to ascertain the details and identify and punish those responsible for the massacre.”

District President Kulgam Ab Majeed Bhat impressed upon governor administration to expedite the investigation into the killing of seven civilians in Kulgam. He said, “Situation in the south is extremely volatile. It seems that the writ of state government is no where on the ground.”

District President Anantnag Altaf Kaloo made a fervent appeal to state and central government to initiate a process which is conciliatory. “This is a high time when policy makers in new Delhi have to take a call on Kashmir. Everyday people are dying and somewhere government of India has to start a process which will break this impasse and bring some respite to Kashmiris,” he said.

Provincial spokesperson and in charge Kulgam Imran Nabi Dar, said that the mayhem that was unleashed at Kulgam the other day and the episodes like it don’t augment well for the peace to return to the valley. “New Delhi is irresolute about the gravity of the situation and if the current phenomenon of uncertainty persists it can morph in a much dire situation.”

Former speaker and MLA Eidgah Mubarak Gul, YNC Provincial President Salman Ali Sagar, YNC VP Younus Mubarak Gul, District President Pulwama Javed Rahim Bhat and scores of other functionaries were bundled up by the police.

Other leaders who participated in the march include Aga Hassan Mahmood, Showkat Hussain Ganaie, Tanvir Sadiq, Irfan Shah, Muhammad Syed Akhoon, Syed Shafi, Peer Afaq, Showkat Mir, GN Ratanpuri, Javed Dar, Shabir Kullay, Sabia Qadri, Ghulam Qadir Pardesi, GR Naaz, Adv Nazir Malik, Abdul Ahad Dar, GN Adigami, Mudassir Shahmiri, Ahsan Pardesi, Adv Jahangir Yaqoob and others.

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