NEWS

WIRES

OTHER

Innocent Killing By Soldiers Fuel Anti-India Sentiments

By Fayaz Wani

Srinagar, Nov 17: The pro-Indian woman leader of Kashmir has said that the killing of innocent persons by Indian soldiers is further fuelling anti-India sentiments and adding to alienation.

The pro-Indian woman leader, Mehbooba Mufti condemned the killing of a baker by Indian forces. "The soldiers responsible for the reprehensible act must be immediately taken to task to restore the shattered public confidence. The unwarranted use of force against the protesters is further fuelling anti-India sentiments, leading to public upsurge." She said "such appalling incidents have the potential of fueling alienation and setting a blow to the peace efforts".

Mehbooba Mufti, who is the chairperson of Peoples Democratic Party in Kashmir, pointed out that despite repeated admonishments, even at the Prime Minister's level, recurrence of such tragic incidents is not only uncalled for but demands concrete political measures to salvage the battered public dignity in the State. She said dealing with such incidents on a case-to-case basis has proved quite inadequate in curbing the awful actions and it only reiterates the urgency of initiating considerate confidence building measures in tune with the public sentiment.

She reiterated her demanded for cutting the troop strength from the civilian areas and revocation of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA). "The time has come, when instead of relying on the length of the gun and strength of the bullet, the Indian Government must genuinely engage with the people's aspirations to work for lasting peace in Kashmir. If political solutions are not accompanied with sincerity of purpose, the possibility of lasting peace recedes".

Fayaz Wani reports on life in Srinagar, Kashmir.