SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah while extending his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families strongly condemned the Gool incident calling it unacceptable.
Immediately after the incident the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah spoke with the Union Home Minister, Sushil Kumar Shinde, who ordered a probe into the incident and assured that any use of excessive force or irresponsible action will be dealt with strictly
The state Government has also ordered a magisterial enquiry to determine the exact sequence of events and on the instruction of the Chief Minister a high level team is camping at the spot which include Minister of state for Revenue and Relief Ajaz Ahmed Khan, Minister for State for Home Sajad Ahmed Kichloo, DGP, Divisional Commissioner Jammu and IGP Jammu.
Condemning this incident the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in a statement said It is unfortunate that inspite of costly lessons learnt in 2008 and 2010 some amongst us are determined to repeat past mistakes and use force against unarmed protesters . Such incidents risk throwing the entire peaceful atmosphere in jeopardy
It is highly unacceptable to shoot at unarmed protesters just because they were reportedly protesting manhandling of an Imam of their area said Omar adding There is no justification or rationalization of this deplorable act. This shocking act warrants and demands the severest of condemnation in the strongest possible terms said Omar
Justice will be done and those involved in the ghastly incident will be brought to book said Omar
While appealing the people to maintain communal harmony and urging them not to be carried away by emotions the Chief Minister said that many amongst us wait for such incidents to occur in order to exploit such situations. He said that he understands the anguish and pain as he feels the same and assured that government will ensure speedy justice. He prayed to God to give the bereaved families strength to bear with this irreparable loss.
Tarigami: Apologize, book culprits immediately
Strongly condemning the civilian killings in Gool Ramban, CPI (M) State Secretary Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami has termed it worst instance of misuse of powers at the hands of those who are bound by law to protect the lives of citizens.
In a statement issued here today, Tarigami lashed at the security bosses for failing to instill a sense of responsibility and accountability amongst the forces under their command. The killings reportedly at the hands of BSF and police are not only barbaric but also yet another instance of utter failure of the security establishment to rein in their forces and make them adhere to law of the land, Tarigami observed.
He said, demand for a judicial probe in such incidents has lost its meaning and the government must now ensure that the culprits are identified and booked without any time buying tactic. The BSF and the Police authorities should unconditionally apologize to the families of victims and cooperate in the probe, he demanded.
Police state: Mehbooba
Srinagar, July 18: Strongly condemning the bloodbath in Gool, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) today said human life in Jammu & Kashmir has been devalued completely as a result of callousness of government and a license to kill that has been granted to police and security forces.
In a statement, the party president Mehbooba Mufti said the coldblooded murder of half a dozen people and wounding of many others without any provocation is heartrending and no words are enough to describe the tragedy or condemn it. She said that many elements in police and security forces in the state have been enjoying atrocities on the people and it seems that their entire attitude has become sadistic.
Mehbooba said the Gool atrocities have reportedly been a joint venture of BSF and police. While the former is reported to have indulged in desecration of a religious institution and a police officer has reportedly shot point blank at Manzoor Ahmad Shan, a lecturer, who was trying to pacify the crowed that was peacefully expressing its indignation at the hurting of religious sentiments. This, she said, has reportedly happened in presence of Deputy Commissioner and SSP of the area. Subsequent to this, Mehbooba said that the reports received by the party indicate that the BSF also trained their guns on the unarmed people leading reportedly to a half a dozen deaths. She said it has been reported to the party that more than two dozen people are lying injured.
Mehbooba said it is unfortunate that rule of law has completely collapsed in Jammu & Kashmir and the police and security forces that are an important instrument of the state to assist law have become its biggest and most serious violators. She said the continued inability of the government to take cognizance of any killing, excess or atrocity has reinforced the impression of the police state, where the political leadership and administration are subservient to them. This, she said, is neither in the long term interests of the state and its people and we all must resist it democratically but forcefully.
Expressing solidarity with the bereaved families and condoling the death of their loved ones, Mehbooba said her entire party is shocked by todays incidents as the loss suffered by the victims is irreparable. Though the government is exposed every day but this shocking incident in the hilly and backward area of Gool should provide another moral challenge to the rulers who have devastated so many families.
Misuse of power: Sajad
Peoples Conference (PC) Chairman Sajjad Lone Thursday condemned the killing of six persons by security forces on protesters at Gool area of Ramban.
In a statement he termed it worst instance of misuse of powers at the hands of those who are bound by law to protect the lives of citizens.
They were peaceful: Vikar Rasool
Minister of State for Information Viqar Rasool Thursday condemned the killing of innocent protesters in Gool. They were peaceful protesters. Those who are involved should be sternly punished. Pahari people are peace loving. They have killed innocents which is inhuman, Rasool said.
ANC condemns killings
Awami National Conference Thursday strongly condemned the killing of six unarmed youths in Banihal in Jammu region and said that such incidents will not stop unless Armed Forces Special Powers Act was not repealed.
While condemning the incident, president Awami National Conference Begum Khalida Shah also demanded stern action against the erring troopers. (KNS)
Ajaz expresses anguish
Immediately after hearing of the firing incident at Dharam village in Gool area of Ramban District, Minister of State for Revenue, Ajaz Ahmad Khan rushed to the area to take stock of the situation.
The Minister is camping in the area where he is supervising relief measures.
Ajaz, meanwhile, has expressed anguish over the killing of four civilians by a BSF jawan. He directed the district administration to lodge an FIR against the erring cop. He also directed holding of a magisterial enquiry into the firing incident.
The Minister conveyed his heartfelt condolences with bereaved families and wished speedy recovery for those injured in the incident. He also directed the district administration to provide medical aid facility to the injured.
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