Srinagar, January 16 (KNO): Welcoming Governor Satpal Malik’s offer to Hurriyat that it must talk directly to him over the issues pertaining to atrocities against civilians and other related issues, AIP President Er Rasheed has said that Malik should move a step further and facilitate certain genuine CBMs to prove his words. According to a statement issued to KNO, Er Rasheed talked to Governor S. P. Malik on phone and while welcoming his offer, sought release of political prisoners languished in Tihar and other jails.
He sought special intervention from the Governor to help release of Shahid-ul-Islam and informed Governor that if he truly respects Hurriyat leaders and those having a divergent view point and cares for the human rights of Kashmiris, he must ensure release of Shahid-ul-Islam whose wife is battling for her life in Srinagar and he is himself languished in Tihar Jail.
Er Rasheed also sought release of all political prisoners including Masrat Alam, Qasim Faktoo, Asia Indrabi and her associates, so that atmosphere turns conducive for sincere political process.
He asked Governor to intervene and take up the matter of filing charge sheet against Kashmiris students studying at JNU. “Governor reiterated that initiating any political dialogue between New Delhi and Srinagar is not within his domain but will surely intervene in other issues raised with him during the conversation,” the statement added.
After talking to Governor, Er Rasheed in a statement said that Kashmiris don’t believe in confrontation but who other than Malik knows the fact that whether Hurriyat or someone else, all are fighting for legitimate political rights of people of Jammu & Kashmir and want a peaceful resolution to Kashmir dispute in its historic perspective.
“Governor must take note of unending human rights violations and should make security forces accountable as much as he can. Governor Malik has every right to differ with anyone including Hurriyat leaders but being at the helm of affairs he must ensure that fundamental human rights of Kashmiris should be respected and political victimization must end,” he said.
He added that Governor must ensure that aged and ailing Geelani is released and ‘fabricated cases’ against youth and other political activists should be withdrawn without any pre-conditions so that one can trust his words.(KNO)