JK: Malik on fast to protest attacks

Srinagar, Aug 5: Chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) Mohammad Yaseen Malik today began fast unto death to protest against alleged attacks on Muslims and Kashmiri drivers in Jammu region.

Mr Malik, joined by his supporters, started the fast at Maisuma, headquarters of the JKLF near here at 1000 hrs.

He said he will continue the fast untill the authorities fully protect lives and property of the Muslims, Kashmiri drivers and students living in different parts of the region.

Asking people, irrespective of their party affiliation, to unite against the communal forces who are trying to divide the state on communal lines, Mr Malik alleged that law enforcing agencies, including the army, had failed to take action against those responsible for the attacks.

He alleged that curfew imposed in the Jammu region was ''fake'' as security forces and violators of law could be seen together even during the curfew period.

Mr Malik said excessive force was being used against peaceful demonstrators in Kashmir while the security forces remained a mute spectator when property of Muslims was being torched by the ''communal elements'' in Jammu.

UNI