Doda massacre: An act of terrorism, says Mirwaiz

Srinagar, May 1 (UNI) Moderate Hurriyat Conference Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq today termed as an ''act of terrorism'' the dastardly killing of 22 Hindus in Doda district of Jammu region last night and demanded a probe by an independent body into the massacre.

Talking to journalists after a marathon five-hour-long meeting of the Executive Council, the Working Committee and the General Council at the Hurriyat headquarters here, the Mirwaiz said a unanimous resolution was adopted by the amalgam at the session condemning the barbaric and unfortunate incident in strongest terms.

''This is an act of terrorism. Incidents like these occur whenever there is a forward movement in the peace and dialogue process. It is a clear attempt aimed at derailing the ongoing peace process,'' he said.

The Hurriyat Chairman also demanded an impartial probe by an independent body into the Doda massacre.

''There is a need to expose all those who are behind such dastardly acts and bring them to book,'' he added.

Asked if the situation would go out of the hand if the Hurriyat's proposal of demilitarisation is accepted in view of today's massacre at Doda, the Mirwaiz said the process of withdrawaing troops, if implemented, would be carried out in a systematic manner and under proper mechanism.

Apparently referring to the separatists, Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said in Jammu that those talking about demilitarisation should take a fresh look and reconsider their proposal in the wake of the Doda massacre.

UNI AG RR VC1940