NEW DELHI: A group of academics, writers and artists today decried the situation prevailing in Kashmir and demanded immediate repeal of AFSPA and withdrawal of excessive military presence in the valley.
Regretting the current state of affairs in trouble-torn Kashmir, a letter expressied grave concern over the disproportionate use of State violence on unarmed protesters in Kashmir resulting in ”severe human rights violations”.
The letter, which has 62 signatories, further demanded that the people of Kashmir be made participants in a dialogue that involved their destiny. It described reports of loss of civilian lives and reports of serious injuries, including blinding from pellet wounds as deeply disturbing.
”Attacking hospitals, ambulances, stopping funeral processions and even burning down residential buildings cannot be the response of a democratic nation. The attack on civilians and the ethical implications this has on our armed forces are not justifiable,” the letter said noting that images of police, army and task force brutalities were spreading across the social media. (AGENCIES)
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