Srinagar, May 27 (UNI) Jammu Kashmir Peace forum on Friday condemned what it called “senseless target killings” and termed it “heinous attacks” that shows a ruthless disregard for human rights and the rule of law.
“Senseless targeted killings need to be condemned by all in the strongest terms as these heinous attacks show a ruthless disregard for human rights and the rule of law”, Satish Mahaldar Chairman for JK Peace forum said in a statement.
“The senseless killing of people, who have a fundamental right to be safe and protected from violence, is unacceptable under any circumstance,” he said.
The perpetrators of this violence have undermined the ongoing peace and reconciliation efforts, Mahaldar said.
He said the engagement that JK Peace Forum has had with inter communities has shown that the vast majority of people want to end the destructive pattern of attacks .
“The alleged scale and gravity of these attacks mark a worrying escalation of violence”, he said and added that “no cause can justify such brutality and senseless killing. Perpetrators should be held to account’.
Mahaldar urged the security forces to exercise restraint in dealing with the situation and above all ensure that innocent civilians are not harmed.
“I strongly urge all communities and groups to reject violence. After years of insecurity and instability, it should be clear that violence is not the solution to the challenges facing Jammu and Kashmir”, the JK Peace Chairman said.
He said, “it is crucial that the national and local authorities support the community leaders and work to bring the perpetrators of all attacks to account.
“The JK Peace Forum is deeply concerned about the grave violation of human rights and we call up on law enforcement authorities to ensure prompt and effective investigations be undertaken and these and all perpetrators of such crimes are brought to justice to ensure protection for those who are vulnerable to further attacks”, he demanded.
He said the “vicious attacks” mark a low point on an “ongoing fragile peace and reconciliation process” facilitated by local stakeholders as well as the JK Peace Forum as part of peace building and development efforts.
“To ensure durable peace and reconciliation, it is vital to address the underlying issues and causes of targeted killings. We need to urgently double and sustain our collective efforts to find equitable solutions between communities by working closely with community leaders, faith-based organisations, and development partners and the Government of Jammu and Kashmir”, he said.
“Bringing development and basic services to the people in the province needs to be part of these efforts, silence is killing people”, he said.
The JK Peace forum offers sincere condolences to the families and relatives as we keep them in our thoughts and prayers, the statement said.
