Loss of civilian life grim reminder of challenges, says Sajad Lone; Tarigami demands fair probe; AP’s Ashraf Mir condemns killings
Srinagar, Dec 23: Scores of political parties in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday staged a protest against the civilian deaths in Poonch after the ambush on Army in the district, demanding stern action against the involved persons.
Former chief minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chief Mehbooba Mufti demanded compensation to the families of deceased civilians in Poonch and that the claims of ‘Naya Kashmir’ have fallen flat on.
Addressing a news conference here, Mehbooba Mufti condemned the deaths of four Army soldiers in an ambush in Rajouri, adding that as per reports 15 persons were picked up from a village following the incident and unfortunately three among them were found dead while 12 others were injured grievously.
“Till inquiry is completed, I demand the government to provide compensation of Rs 50 lakh each to the families of the deceased and also for the treatment of the injured people in Rajouri,” she said.
She added that the incidents are taking place in the area where people have never supported violence and where there was no footprint of militancy in the area. “Government’s claims about a peaceful situation have fallen flat. How is it Naya Kashmir where people as well as Army soldiers are not safe,” Mehbooba questioned.
National Conference (NC) General Secretary, Ali Muhammad Sagar as per KNO said that the leaders are not being allowed to protest over the mysterious deaths. However, the party demands stern action against those involved in the killings of three civilians.
“We condemn the killing of civilians as well as the Army soldiers. There is a need to probe to ascertain how these civilians were killed. Those who are involved in the killings should be dealt with strictly as per the law,” he said.
Apni Party led by its leader Muhammad Ashraf Mir also staged a protest outside the party’s office at Church Lane here, saying that they condemn the killings of Army soldiers in the ambush. “At the same time, we condemn the killings of civilians. There is a need to start a thorough investigation into the matter and ensure justice is delivered to them,” he said.
Mir added that the protest rally was scheduled by the party in this regard, but was not allowed as the barricades have been erected just outside their office.
Peoples Conference (PC) Chairman, Sajad Gani Lone in a statement issued here stated that the loss of civilian life in Poonch is a grim reminder of the challenges that “we still face.”
“The last three decades have been dotted with such heinous acts. Non-combatants have paid a heavy price. Let truth be told. In some cases there was total denial. In some cases cosmetic condemnation,” he said.
“Maybe time has come to have an institutional mechanism to ensure transparency in such cases and punishment as per the law of the land. Zero tolerance to terror has to be followed up with zero tolerance towards rogue terror. Our prayers with the families,” he added.
CPI (M) leader and former Kulgam legislator, Muhammad Yousuf Tarigami in a post on X, demanded a fair probe into the death of three civilians near the encounter spot in Poonch.
“Demanding a fair probe into the “mysterious” death of 3 civilians near the encounter spot in Poonch. A prompt & impartial probe is crucial to ascertain the cause of their death. Also condemning in no uncertain terms the militant attack in which 5 soldiers made ultimate sacrifices in the line of duty. My deep condolences to their families,” Tarigami wrote.(KNO)
