Imran Khan condemns civilian killings in Pulwama, vows to take up issue with UN

Islamabad, Oct 16: Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday condemned the civilian killings in Pulwama and said that his country will raise issue of 'India's human rights violations in Kashmir and demand the UNSC fulfil its J&K plebiscite commitment.'

"Strongly condemn the killing of innocent Kashmiri civilians in Pulwama by Indian security forces. Only dialogue and not violence and killings will resolve this conflict. We will raise the issue of India's human rights violations and demand UNSC to fulfil its J&K plebiscite commitment," Imran Khan tweeted.

In another tweet, he said, "Kashmiris must be allowed to decide their future."

Seven people, including two minors, were killed and at least 23 other civilians were injured when security forces opened fire on protesters after an encounter, in which three militants and an Armyman were killed at Sirnoo village of the district on Saturday morning. While police said the civilians were killed when they came "dangerously close" to the site of the encounter, eyewitnesses said they were killed more than an hour after the gunfight.

Political parties had lashed out at Governor Satya Pal Malik, with former J&K chief minister Mehbooba Mufti asking "is this what was expected from the Governor's rule?". "No probe enough to bring back the dead innocent civilians. South Kashmir has been reeling under fear for the last six months. Is this what was expected from the Governor's rule? The administration has failed in securing civilian lives. Deepest condolences to the bereaved."

She added: "How long are we going to shoulder the coffins of our youngsters? So many civilians killed today post encounter in Pulwama. No country can win a war by killing its own people. I strongly condemn these killings, and once again appeal for efforts, to stop this bloodbath." J&K has been under the rule of the Governor who had dissolved the Assembly last month.