Citizens’ group calls for end to violence in Kashmir

The statement signed by around 100 people speaks about range of issues in Kashmir including the human rights violations due to AFSPA and how Wani's killing is actually against a recent Supreme Court verdict.

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Kashmiri Muslim protesters taunt policemen as they clash in Srinagar. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin)

A group of civil society activists has issued a statement criticising the recent killing of Hizbul Mujahedin commander Burhan Wani and calling for an end to the spiraling violence in the Valley.

The statement, signed by around 100 prominent persons including professors, journalists and activists, says Kashmir’s escalating violence follows “a familiar pattern: a killing, a funeral where rage is vented through slogans and stones, and volleys of lethal gunfire in response”.

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Highlighting that nothing has been learnt from the violence in 2010, when over 110 persons lost their lives, the statement recalled “statesmanship shown by Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee in 2003, when he went to Srinagar during a particularly dark time, held out a “hand of friendship” to Pakistan and said that the dialogue on Kashmir would be held within the paradigm of humanity (insaaniyat ke daayre mein).”

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“We call for urgent steps from the Central and State government to prevent civilians being killed and injured, and immediate steps towards demilitarisation of the Valley and an inclusive political initiative,” the statement said, calling for a review of AFSPA. Recently, the Supreme Court had ruled how indefinite AFSPA in Manipur was a failure of the Army and the Government.

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“We urge all political parties to pressure the Government to open a political dialogue in good faith with all relevant parties to ensure that the bleeding wounds of Kashmir are staunched,” it concluded.

Among the signatories are Aruna Roy, DU professor Apoorvanand and lawyer Indira Jaisingh and Vrinda Grover.

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