A plea for comprehensive ceasefire in J

Srinagar, Aug 29 (UNI) Expressing deep concern over the media reports about the possible attacks on minorities in Kashmir, about two dozen religious, social organisations, traders and intellectuals today urged the Union and State governments and the militant leadership to implement a comprehensive ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir.

In a statement, they requested the United Jihad Council, which had promised to halt their activities within civilian areas in Kashmir, for a comprehensive ceasefire in the entire Jammu and Kashmir.

They said they were deeply concerned and aggrieved over the news that an intelligence agency has expressed fears about possible attacks on minorities in Kashmir.

This is for the first time that such a joint statement was issued by about two dozen organisations and individuals in the Kashmir valley.

The minorities should not be treated as the cannon fodder to carry out the agenda of vested interests in sabotaging the people's movement of Kashmir, the statement said.

'' Whatever be the circumstances, we have lived and suffered together and would continue to strive together for our political emancipation,'' the statement said.

''We also urge the community leaders, civil society actors, political parties of Jammu province to strive for the safety and security of minority community residing in Jammu,'' the statement noted.

The signatories to the statement included Moulana Mufti Mohammad Bashiruddin Ahmed, head Mufti of Jammu and Kashmir and In-charge of religious affairs, Mirwaiz Molvi Riyaz Ahmed Hamdani, Islamic Study Circle, Aga Syed Hassan Al Moosvi, President, Anjuman Sharie Shiyaan, Jammu Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society, Chamber of Commerce and Industries Kashmir, Kashmir Hotel and Restaurant Owner's Federation, Valley Citizens Council, Jan Mohammad Koul, Chairman Kashmir Traders Federation, Noor Ahmed Bilal, President, Kashmir University Teachers Association, Naagar Nagar Coordination Committee, Kashmir Thinker's Guild, Dr. Altaf Hussain, Arjimand Hussain Talib (columnist), Dr. Mubarik Ahmed (social activist), Anwar Ashai (social activist), Zareef Ahmed Zareef (poet), A R Hanjoora (social activist), Hameeda Bano (Faculty of English, University of Kashmir), Shaikh Showkat Hussain (Faculty of Law, University of Kashmir), Noor Ahmed Baba (Dean Social Sciences, University of Kashmir), Mohammad Azeem Tuman (House Boat Owners Association), Himayat Trust, JK People's Development Trust, Ehsaas, a developmental organisation, Mushtaaque Ali Ahmed Khan (theatre activist and filmmaker) Senior Citizens Forum, Kashmir Urdu Academy and Jammu and Kashmir Cultural Society.

UNI BAS AE NK KP1834