ACHR: Jammu massacre attempt to undermine democratic processes

New Delhi, May 1 (UNI) The Asian Centre for Human Rights (ACHR) today condemned the massacre of 22 Hindus in Jammu's Doda district, and said it is an attempt to undermine democratic processes, including the second round of talks between the Prime Minister and the moderate Hurriyat Conference.

''The barbaric and senseless killing is a crime against humanity and an attempt to undermine democratic processes like the conduct of elections and the Prime Minister's parleys with the moderate Hurriyat Conference,'' ACHR said in a statement here.

ACHR Director Suhas Chakma said, ''the massacre is an attempt to destroy efforts to create a climate in which human rights and fundamental freedom are more likely to be respected''.

ACHR urge the Centre to take appropriate measures to provide security to civilians in Jammu and Kashmir and bring the culprits to book.

At least 22 Hindus were killed and ten others injured in two separate militant attacks in Kulhand village, about 30 km from Doda town, last night, police said today.

According to police, unidentified militants, dressed as civilians and army personnel, simultaneously struck the Hindu-dominated villages of Dawa and Pauchra at around 2200 hrs and asked the people to come out of their homes and assemble in groups on the pretext of a meeting.

After two hours, militants started firing indiscriminately, killing at least 22 people, including a woman, on the spot. Ten villagers, including two women, were injured in the attack. After the attack the militants fled from the area, police added.

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