CPI-M demands probe by a sitting judge in forces firing in Kashmir

Srinagar, Sep 14 (UNI) Demanding a thorough probe by a sitting High Court judge into the death of dozens of people in security force firing, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) today said such tactics would lead to further deterioration in the prevailing situation in Kashmir.

In a statement here today state secretary of the CPI(M) Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami said a sitting judge of Jammu and Kashmir High Court be appointed to inquire into the firing incidents, causing deaths of dozens of people and damaging property.

Mr Tarigami codemned the use of excessive force on protestors by security forces and the police.

He strongly condemned the damage caused by security forces to public property and asked the government to immediately constitute a committee to assess the losses and pay compensation to the families affected.

He also condemned the use of brutal force including indiscriminate firing against peaceful demonstrators causing death of several people and grievously injuring hundreds including children, old men and women on Friday.

''In most cases as per reports; the protestors were demanding revocation of draconian laws like the Public Safety Act and the Armed Forces Special Powers Act and hence use of any type of force against such people is unacceptable,'' he said.

Mr Tarigami further urged the state government that forces should be given strict instructions to exercise maximum restraint while dealing with protestors.

He said use of excessive force by law enforcing agencies and misuse of power vested in them while dealing with protestors should be stopped and these agencies be made accountable and responsible in sensitive situations.

He further said that immediate need was to restore sense of security among the people and take meaningful steps to pacify the anger and resentment among the people of the state by addressing the grievances with result oriented methodology.

UNI BAS AM HT1342