While expressing the serious concern over the spate of civilian killings in Kashmir, Peoples Democratic Front (PDF) president and MLA Khansahib Hakim Mohammad Yasin today said that unfortunately after every such killing, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti only expresses anguish and isn't able to do anything to stop it. "After every civilian killing, Mehboobaji issues a statement, where she condemns it and expresses anguish like all other political parties. It seems the Chief Minister is so helpless that she isn't able to take action against the culprits. Chief Minister, opposition and separatists, all issue statement after every killing to condemn it. But if government is condemning the killings, what stops it from taking action against the culprits," Hakim Yasin said in a statement issued to press here. Reminding the government of its ‘healing touch’ and zero tolerance claims on human rights violations, he said, "All these statements have proven a hoax. Duty of any government is to safeguard the rights of its citizens, but this government has miserably failed. They can’t befool people of the state anymore now on such promises."
The PDF chief also said that use of pellet guns against civilian protesters has resurfaced in Kashmir as in the past few days, several youths have been hit by the deadly pellets. "Despite state and international human rights organizations urging the government to stop the use of this deadly weapon, it seems the government is least bothered about it. It is unfortunate that Kashmiri youth are being blinded and maimed through these deadly weapons and the government is silent," he rued. "The government should take into consideration the ground realities and create an environment of trust. But instead, it is taking such steps which make the situation tenser. The government should announce an immediate ban on pellet guns and advise relevant quarters against the policy of mass harassment, raids and arrests as this has worsened an already volatile situation in the State and also goes against the values and principles of democracy," Hakim Yasin added. (CNS)