'Be tough against militants, but avoid HR violations'

Kulgam (South Kashmir), Mar 29: Directing the security forces to deal with the menace of militancy with a firm hand and determination, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad warned them that no Human Rights (HR) violation would be tolerated.

'We have been able to translate the promise made by the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh that zero tolerance will be shown towards human rights violations,' Mr Azad said in this south Kashmir village during a public meeting.

He said firm instructions have been issued to security forces on the ground to avoid any HR violations during the counter-insurgency operations.

However, he said, no leniency would be shown towards militants who are killing innocent people and disturbing peace.

''Myself will prove to be a sharp sword against militants', he said adding at the same time I will be soft towards innocent people in general.'' Without naming the coalition partner Peoples Democratic Party rule, Mr Azad said before he took over as Chief Minister of the state there were 435 cases of custodial deaths and other disappearances in the state.

But, he said, in such cases except showing sympathies and issuing statements nothing substantial was done.

The Chief Minister said it was his government which actually translated the zero tolerance promise into action by perusing evidence upto graves which has no example in the country.

He said when five cases of human rights violence came to his notice, he ordered immediate action which was being appreciated by one and all within the country and abroad.

He said the government has not only arrested one SSP and 12 officials but digged graves in search of valid evidences in fake encounter cases.

UNI