National Conference on Monday decried the ruthless use of force against students across Kashmir and called the scenario a proof that PDP BJP government had authorized its forces to target unarmed civilians. In a joint statement issued from party headquarters to KNS, NC Provincial spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar and YNC Provincial President Salman Ali Sagar said, “Government has declared an open war against students. The fact that hundreds of students were injured while protesting against governments silence on last week’s attack inside Pulwama college campus and the current spate of killings proves that forces have been authorized by the state government to maim and kill our young.”While calling for attention to the huge number of injuries to students today,the duo alleged that ruling coalition’s core policy for dealing with situation is the draconian Doval Doctrine.“Ever since Mehbooba Mufti took reins of the government in 2016, civilians have taken a heavy toll of forces’ brutalities.
The action on students inside college campuses is unprecedented, and a proof enough that the forces have no accountability in Kashmir and have been given a free hand to do as they please,” Imran said.The spokesperson further said that scores of girl students had been injured, many of them critically. “What kind of security threat were these young female college students posing to the heavily armoured forces. In kulgam only atleast 3 girls are critical and over 50 students have suffered injuries. What Police Station was being set afire,” Imran asked in a clear reference to the statements of Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti where she had justified civilian killings.While calling for measures to ensure safety of students Salman said, “It would have been prudent if the state government had close down the educational institutions for a couple of days anticipating the culmination of large scale anger in youth against attacks inside educational institutions.”He alleged that the move to keep schools and colleges open well knowing that protests are being planned points towards governments ploy to create a situation where students could be targeted.The statement further reads, “Clearly today’s attacks on students are part of governments game plan to push valley youth to the wall and legitimize use of force on unarmed civilians.” (KNS)