JKLF chief Yaseen calls for general strike on Tuesday

Srinagar, Feb 3 (UNI) Calling for a one-day general strike on Tuesday in protest against fake encounter killings, chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) Mohammad Yaseen Malik threatened to go on fast-unto-death if human rights violations by the security forces are not stopped.

''We appeal for a general strike on February 6 in the Kashmir valley in protest against the HR violations by the security forces,'' Mr Malik told a news conference here this afternoon.

He said he will also go on three-day hunger strike from Tuesday against the HR violations.

However, he threatened to go on a hunger strike unto death if the government failed to stop all HR violations within one and a half months.

Mr Malik said he will be going to Kokernag in south Kashmir on Monday to hold a protest demonstration against the fake encounter killings. A majority of fake encounter victims are from Kokernag.

''Where is the zero tolerance promise of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh,'' he questioned and said Dr Singh during his visit on May 22, 2006 had said no HR violation would be tolerated.

Despite assurance by Prime Minister and other Indian leaders, innocents are being killed in custody, fake encounters and tortured in interrogation cells, the JKLF chief said.

He said the peace process between India and Pakistan has not changed the situation on the ground in Kashmir.

Fruits of this process is yet to reach the people of the valley, he said adding if this process would not protect the people now then what is the use of this.

He said Special Operation Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir police was still operating in the state.

They fail to find militants now so they are capturing innocent and later killing them in fake encounters for rewards, Mr Malik alleged.

He further alleged that security forces are harrassing the former released militants. They are being forced to take arms again or join the national mainstream parties, he said.

UNI