Fake encounters have shattered Kashmiris faith, PDP

Srinagar, June 30 (UNI) Expressing concern over the '' sudden and alarming spurt'' in human rights violations in the Jammu and Kashmir, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said reduction of troops and revoking of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) was necessary to restore shattered public faith in the system.

'' The swelling incidents of human rights violations have necessitated the urgency of initiating the troops reduction and AFSPA revocation process to restore public confidence'' said a spokesman of the PDP, a partner in the coalition government.

In a statement here today he said the exposure of another alleged fake encounter at Kupwara is the most outrageous and deplorable act that has completely shattered the public faith.

''The expose is the grim and chilling reminder of the nefarious designs of the saboteurs of the normalization process'', he said.

He said the latest fake encounter revelation follows a spate of similar horrible incidents at Bandipora, Rajouri and Ganderbal.

''Probing these incidents on case-to-case basis is now proving inadequate in curbing this deep-rooted malaise'', he said and added that the distressed public confidence could be restored only through some major political initiatives offering substantial relief to the people.

''Withdrawal of troops from the civilian areas and revocation of AFSPA are the only measures that could help resuscitate the waning reconciliatory process in the present jittery atmosphere'', he said.

The spokesman said unfortunately the repeated pledges regarding ''Zero tolerance for human rights abuses'' in the state have not been followed up with real action and a practical policy on the ground.

He said the apparent failure of the state to curb the mounting menace of human rights violations has goven a blow to the people's psyche forcing them to come out on the streets to register their outrage.

''These warning signals need to be taken seriously to save the situation from deteriorating any further'', he cautioned.

The spokesman said the positive transformation of the ground situation that has started consolidating in the state due to various pro-people measures after the 2002 election is once again being replaced by alienation and indignation threatening the fragile normalization process.

The people of the state have always responded positively to the initiatives aimed at improving the security situation by providing relief to the common man.

The confidence building process initiated by the coalition Government, the spokesman said had helped the government not only to address the alienation but win the renewed goodwill of the people and re- impose their faith and trust in the democratic institutions and processes.

Any effort to subvert the reconciliation process at this most crucial stage would only fuel cynicism and alienation to the detriment of the peace, he said and expressed hope that good sense would prevail before it is too late.

UNI