Lashkar for Council to probe killings in Kashmir

Srinagar, Oct 15: The Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) has proposed the setting up of Kashmir Elders Council to investigate, identify and expose the ''invisible hands'' behind innocent and unclaimed killings.

In a faxed statement to the local media here, Lashkar spokesman Dr Abdullah Ghaznavi said the forum, could comprise representatives of the Muzaffarabad-based United Jehad council, the Hurriyat Conference, the Bar Association, international human rights groups besides intellectuals, religious leaders and others.

The Council will investigate and identify those behind such killings, he added.

The spokesman condemned the recent gruesome killing of a dentist, Dr Mushtaq Ahmad Shah of Zachaldara in Handwara area of Kupwara district, and termed it as an ''inhuman'' act.

He denied the Lashkar hand in his killing, saying the outfit's ''struggle was in sync with Islamic principles which leave no room for killing an innocent.'' About the recent Human Rights Watch report which blamed militants for indulging in human rights violations, the Lashkar spokesman said it was ''partisan'' with a ''marked pro-India slant.'' ''Those involved in innocent killings, rape, abduction of children, destruction of religious places, and loot cannot be freedom fighters,'' he claimed.

UNI