The ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) today demanded a time-bound probe into the death of a minor boy allegedly due to pellet injuries suffered during clashes between protestors and security forces here.
"PDP has demanded immediate, time bound probe into Junaid Ahmad Akhoon's death and desires action against those found guilty," a party spokesman said in a statement here.
Junaid was allegedly injured during clashes between protestors and security forces in Safakadal area of the city yesterday and later succumbed to the injuries at a hospital last night.
The spokesman said the party is anguished over reports of use of "unwarranted force".
No amount of action can ever compensate such loss. Yet it is always needed to ensure accountability as and when any grave omissions or commissions are reported, he said.
The PDP spokesman said a deputation of respectable people from Eidgah locality of downtown area of the city visited the party headquarters and stated that the deceased "was not involved in any protest... Which called for a probe and action as a follow up".
The deputation was assured that party would effectively intervene to seek action upholding its regard for human rights and protection of people of the state, the spokesman said.
(REOPENS DES10)
Meanwhile, opposition National Conference condemned the killing of Junaid.
Lashing out at the state government, senior NC leader and former Assembly speaker Mubarak Gul said in a statement that actions will be "highly counterproductive and will add to the palpable sense of alienation among the people".
"Rather than engaging with the people, talking to Hurriyat leaders and making efforts to restart a diplomatic process with Pakistan, the central government and the State Government are singularly focused" on suppressing protests, he said.
Gul said it was imperative for New Delhi and Islamabad to start a meaningful, sustained and credible dialogue to find a lasting solution to the Kashmir Issue.
In a separate statement, state unit of Congress condemned the killing of the boy and said "such incidents are adding more anger to the people".
"The killing of Junaid is most unfortunate.... (such incidents) have turned the situation from bad to worse, as a result the situation is same today as it was three months ago," MLC and state Congress Vice President G N Monga said adding "unfortunately, government has not been able to contain such type of incidents, which is indicative of its utter failure to restore normalcy in the Valley".
Monga demanded stern action against those involved in killing of innocent people under the garb of protests.
