New Delhi, Dec 24 (KNS): Awami National Conference Senior vice-president Muzaffar Shah has concern over the prevailing situation in Jammu and Kashmir while highlighting the failure to curb cross-border terrorism despite absolute Central rule in the region for over five years.
Shah, in a statement, issued to KNS, pointed out recent distressing events including the security forces ambush in Rajouri and the tragic killing of a police officer today while praying inside a mosque in Baramulla.
He expressed deep distress over wrongful arrests of innocent civilians in Poonch that culminated in the harrowing killing of three civilians.
"The government's gestures of compensation and job provisions for the deceased civilians' families clearly indicates these are custodial killings. But it must be understood that mere compensatory offerings cannot overcome the irreplaceable loss borne by the bereaved families," he said.
Shah said that Awami National Conference demands an immediate court martial order for the guilty officials and prompt initiation of a comprehensive judicial inquiry into these killings to restore people's faith in justice system and law.
"Failure to pursue a thorough investigation and imperative court martial risks establishing a dangerous precedent where custodial civilian deaths will be disregarded with a token of meager ex-gratia measures," he stated.
Questioning the effectiveness of Article 370 abrogation in combating terrorism, Shah urged the current administration to reassess its earlier claims and seek forgiveness for misleading the public.
"Despite the promises of a ‘Naya J&K’ after the abrogation of Article 370, the region continues to suffer from the violence and deteriorating conditions. The onus of this dire situation lies on those who were making tall claims that all had become hunky-dory after August 5th, 2019. These realities on ground are now visible to all," he said.
Shah said that J&K has been subjected to immense chaos that is affecting both security forces and civilians alike, reflecting a significant lack of effective strategies from the present administration and highlighting their utter failure to grasp the ground realities in the region of J&K.
"Awami National Conference leadership calls on the people of J&K to actively demand for the restoration of Statehood and the early conduct of elections where governance by the natives is re-established. Moreover, we remain committed to the relentless pursuit of reinstating Article 370, aiming to reclaim the pre-August 5, 2019 status very soon," he said. (KNS)