No HR violation or custodial death in Kashmir: Soz

Srinagar, Apr 21 (UNI) Claiming that there was no report of any human rights (HR) violation or custodial killings during the Congress-led coalition rule in Jammu and Kashmir, Union Minister of Water Resources Prof Saifuddin Soz said he would take up the matter of unidentified graves in the valley with Defence Minister A K Antony.

This government has ensured safety of the people and no human rights violation or custodial killing was reported during the period, Prof Soz said while addressing a series of public meetings in north Kashmir, during the past two days.

Prof Soz said UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had initiated efforts not only for the overall development of Jammu and Kashmir but also for lasting peace in the state.

He said the issue of unidentified graves in the Kashmir valley, particularly in north Kashmir, would be raised with Mr Antony.

More than 900 graves of unidentified people surfaced in north Kashmir, particularly in tne Uri sector recently. Almost all the mainstream and separatists organisations demanded a probe into the issue. Chairman of the breakaway Hurriyat Conference had demanded a probe by an International agency.

Prof Soz, referring to the turmoil of the last 20 years, 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.'' MORE UNI BAS KD DS1344