September 28, 2008	Sunday	Ramazan 27, 1429

PESHAWAR, Sept 27: Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) chairperson Asma Jahangir has expressed grave concern over the growing violations of human rights in the restive Swat valley and asked the security forces to avoid targeting the civilian population.

In a statement issued here on Saturday the HRCP chief said it was basic right of the people to protest for provision of basic life facilities and added that opening of fire on the protestors in Swat a few days ago by the police was a grave violation of the human rights.

She said firing on the demonstrators would further deteriorate the situation.

She said on one hand the militants were killing the innocent people and on the other they were deprived of the basic falsities like gas, electricity and water.

The HRCP head also expressed concern over the prolonged curfews which sometimes continued for 24 hours and thus increased the peoples’ problems in Swat.

Despite the military operation, she said, the administration had failed to protect lives of the people and left them at the mercy of militants.

Referring to some reports that the militants were regrouping in parts of Matta, Khwazakhela and Kabal, she said that the security agencies seemed to have failed in curbing the miscreants.

Ms Jahangir said killing of people having affiliation with the ruling parties was also condemnable.

She said no religion allowed killing of innocent people. She asked for taking a unified stand against such criminals.

She also asked for rehabilitation of the internally displaced people with the help of the UNHCR and ICRC.