Mehbooba concerned over youth joining militancy

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar, June 24: The Oppositional People’s Democratic Party president and Member of Parliament (MP) Mehbooba Mufti today condemned the killing of Sopore youth and expressed concern over the reports of educated youth joining militant ranks.
Mehbooba while addressing a press conference here today said that troops should exercise restraint and avoid civilian killings. “You know people get emotional after encounters and I think police and security forces should have shown restraint but they didn’t and ultimately it resulted in the killing of youth and injuries to many.”
The PDP president slammed the Government for not acting against those involved in the killing of civilians. “I think with each passing day right from 2009, whether it is Shopian episode or the killing of 120 youth in 2010, there is no time when innocent killings doesn’t occur and it is a routine matter to order probes,” adding “enquires have been there in number of cases but no action was taken.”
Mehbooba expressed her concern over the reports of educated youth joining militancy. “It is due to failure of political process and atrocities”, she added.
She expressed concern over possible spill over of militants from Afghanistan after withdrawal of US and NATO forces and the prevailing situation in Pakistan and Iraq, where militants are gaining ground with each passing day.
The PDP president said the Government is turning Jammu and Kashmir a breeding ground due to policies which it has adopted for last few years. “Everybody knows what is happening in Iraq and Afghanistan and besides there is a general concern that what would be its affect on the State”, he said.
She said that security forces excesses are pushing youth towards militancy. “I think yesterday’s incident and the Tral incident where a militant’s mother came on record saying her son was forced to pick up gun because of atrocities is a cause of concern”, she added.
Mehbooba appealed Central Government to look into the matter of educated youth joining militancy. “Union Government should take it as national challenge. If Kashmir issue can be discussed in United Nations or OIC, why not in Indian Parliament, she added.
She appealed State Government to ensure the supply of ration, water and electricity in the upcoming Islamic month of Ramazan. She said people are facing enormous difficulties due their shortage.
She also appealed Government to make sure that the passports of youth, whose relatives were associated with militancy, should be cleared.