Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) patron and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mufti Muhammad Sayeed Wednesday said the public outrage over the killing of two youths in army firing is justified.
Justifying the outrage over the deaths of the two youths in firing by 53 Rashtriya Rifles soldiers in Chattergam village of Badgam district Monday, Sayeed Wednesday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure that repeated pledges on curbing human rights violations in Kashmir are strictly adhered to and no individual is allowed to go against these assurances.
Addressing a public meeting in Handwara assembly segment of Kupwara border district Wednesday, Sayeed said the killing of innocents cannot be justified and such tragic incidents have the potential of reversing the peace and normalisation efforts.
"Unfortunately, almost similar circumstances led to turmoil in Kashmir in the early 1990s," he said and added that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have suffered immensely because of more than two decades of death and destruction and they don't want a similar situation to develop again.
Sayeed said although no steps on earth can heal the deep wounds of such dastardly acts, in the prevailing dismal situation tangible action at the highest level in the country could to some extent heal the hurt psyche of the people and salvage their bruised dignity.
"The prime minister must ensure to reinforce the resolve of his predecessors to work through peaceful means and through public participation towards restoration of peace in the state," he said.
Sayeed said measures like reduction in the number of troops and revocation of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) have become more than imperative as these could be the fundamental inputs to lasting peace in the state.
He said the government of India must, without any further delay, reach out and engage all sections of society, including the separatist leaders, in a productive dialogue process to resolve the issues.
He said: "Unless these steps are taken, the space for reconciliation will squeeze further in Kashmir and desperation levels will increase as nothing seems to work on behalf of the people here, not even completely non-violent, peaceful and democratic means."
