Repeal AFSPA, release prisoners for peace and resolution, says Geelani
Hurriyat chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani wrote a letter to the United Nations Security council seeking intervention in the ongoing unrest in J&K. In his letter, he urged rapid demilitarisation and repealing of laws like AFSPA and Public Safety Act.
Hurriyat chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani
Srinagar,UPDATED: Jul 18, 2016 00:19 IST
In Short
- Hurriyat chairman Geelani writes to UNSC seeking intervention.
- Repealing AFSPA, releasing prisoners vital for amicable solution.
- Asks free space for political parties that are working for people.
In wake of the ongoing turmoil that escalated fast into a national crisis, the Chairman of All Parties Hurriyat Conference, Syed Ali Shah Geelani wrote a letter the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and heads of UNSC Permanent Members seeking intervention for a just solution to the seething issue.
Geelani said that if India takes Confidence Building Measures (CBMs), like accepting the "disputed nature of Jammu and Kashmir and people's Right to Self Determination", repeals laws like Armed Forces Special Powers Act and releases political prisoners it would create an atmosphere conducive for peace and resolution of Kashmir issue.
Here's what Geelani wrote:
- These steps if taken with a sense of urgency and responsibility can help restore calm and peace in an agitated population and pave way for the processes required for the final and just resolution of the dispute of J&K, thereby dispersing the perpetual clouds of war and conflict that threatens global peace.
- The government of India should be asked to announce rapid demilitarization process of population centres and repeal laws like Armed Forces Special Powers Act and Public Safety Act.
- He said that military presence and such laws "facilitate the arbitrary and irresponsible behaviour of an already hostile army and that provides them with the legal immunity against heinous crimes like extra-judicial killings, rape, torture and arson committed against a defenceless local population.
- He has asked for the release of all the political prisoners from prisons, detention centres and house arrest and called for restoration of their right to free political activity.
- UN Special Rapporteurs and all international human rights and humanitarian organisations should be allowed to work in J&K, so that the "iron curtain of the occupation is lifted."
- Geelani has also urged for free political space for all the parties in the disputed J&K, particularly those advocating the Right to Self determination for the people of J&K.
- "It is an earnest appeal from the people of J&K to intervene through the good offices of your person and institutions to inform the change in the approach of the Indian state in Jammu and Kashmir in the interests of global peace, justice, progress and development," he said.
- Last week, when the people were still busy celebrating the Muslim festival of Eid, a new wave of state terror was unleashed by the Indian armed forces killing dozens and maiming hundreds of unarmed protesters, utilizing bullets and lethal pellet-guns aimed to kill and maim.
- People had started proceeding for the funeral procession of Commander Burhan Wani, a popular resistance commander, and the Indian armed forces used extreme violent means to prevent people from mourning and participating in the funeral of the slain commander.
- In this new spree of state violence Indian forces killed more than 40 people so far, injured more than 3500 ranging from kids as old as 4 year to 80 year old, and damaged eyes of more than a 100 people, firing pellet guns rendering at least 35 people completely blind in both eyes.
- In this situation, international community and especially the influential states like members of UNSC, EU Countries and OIC members have a special responsibility to intervene in order to challenge the behaviour of the Indian State in J&K.
- They should intervene and stop this reign of terror and take measures to build confidence among the people of the occupied Jammu and Kashmir and to create an atmosphere conducive for the resolution of the dispute of J&K.
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