Soz to take issue of unidentified graves with Antony

Srinagar, Apr 20 (UNI) Union Minister of Water Resources, Saifuddin Soz today said he will take up the matter of unidentified graves in the Kashmir valley with Union Defence minister A K Antony.

Addressing a public meeting at Dangerpora, Sopore in north Kashmir, today Prof Soz said the issue of unmarked graves in the Kashmir, particularly in north Kashmir, would be raised with Mr Antony.

More than 900 graves of unidentified persons surfaced in north Kashmir, particularly in Uri sector recently. Almost all the mainstream and separatists organisations demanded a probe in the issue.

Chairman of the breakaway Hurriyat Conference has demanded probe by an International agency.

Referring to the turmoil of last 20 years, Prof Soz said all of us should work together to rid the State from the cult of violence that brought large scale death and destruction to the state.

He said the entire Congress leadership and UPA government at the Center wants lasting peace and era of prosperity in the state.

Expressing satisfaction over the turn around in the situation due to people's cooperation because of pro-people policies of the center and state government Prof Soz urged to invest in building a peaceful future coupled with development.

He said situation in the 90s was worst and people faced enormous miseries, but now there is marked improvement as army and other law enforcing agencies have maintained that there has not been a single case of human rights violation in last six months.

The PCC President said this trend needs to be strengthened.

He hinted that many steps by the Union Government are afoot to bring relief to the people particularly who have been victims of the violence.

He however, urged people to strengthen democratic atmosphere in the state as it is only through democratic means that problems can be solved and peoples' aspirations can be met.

Prof Soz exhorted the people to trust the Congress party as an effective instrument of change for a better future.

UNI BAS QAB KK VC1658