Govt rewarding troops for killing innocent Kashmiris: Mirwaiz

Srinagar, Aug 11 (UNI) Hurriyat Conference (Moderate) Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq today alleged that the government was ''decorating and rewarding'' its troops for ''brutally'' killing the innocent civilians in Kashmir and termed it as the biggest ''tragedy'' of this century.

Addressing a Friday congregation at the historic Jamia Masjid here, he claimed that as the Independence Day was nearing, the atrocities on the innocent people of Kashmir were also increasing.

In a hard-hitting statement, the Mirwaiz expressed anger and anguish over the killing of ''an innocent'' student by the CRPF personnel at Dalgate on August 9.

''This barbaric and inhuman incident is an eye-opener for peace-loving countries and human rights organisations,'' he said.

Mirwaiz Farooq said the members of the legal cell of his Hurriyat Conference would visit various jails in the country to see the condition of the prisoners from Jammu and Kashmir.

''The condition of the prisoners lodged in these jails for several years is unfortunate, deplorable and critical. They are being treated in an inhuman manner...tortured mentally and physically... and deprived of the basic amenties. This is being done to break their resolve and determination,'' he claimed.

The Hurriyat Chairman demanded that the prisoners be treated and given basic amenties as per the Geneva convention .

He expressed strong resentment over the policy followed by the authorities for not releasing the prisoners despite the court directions.

Several hundred people shouted anti-government and anti-security forces slogans on the occasion.

UNI AG AK ND1738