Pakistan condemns use of force against Kashmiris by India

Published April 19, 2015
Kashmiri protesters throw stones towards an armoured Indian police van during an anti-India demonstration on outskirts of Srinagar  after police killed a teenage student during an anti-India demonstration in Kashmir ─ AFP
Kashmiri protesters throw stones towards an armoured Indian police van during an anti-India demonstration on outskirts of Srinagar after police killed a teenage student during an anti-India demonstration in Kashmir ─ AFP

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has strongly condemned the brutal use of force by Indian security personnel against peaceful and unarmed protesters, which resulted in the killing of two young Kashmiri men.

"Pakistan is deeply concerned at the increase in systematic human rights violations in the Indian Occupied Kashmir," FO spokesperson Tasneem Aslam said.

"The people and government of Pakistan extend our heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the families of the victims," the spokesperson said.

On Saturday during an anti-India demonstration against a government crackdown on separatist leaders in Kashmir, Indian police shot dead a 16-year-old boy.

The incident took place on the outskirts of Srinagar as a separatist strike shut down the Himalayan region on the second day of violent clashes, officials said.

The uncle of the boy said police first detained his nephew before shooting him at point-blank range in front of dozens of other protesters.

Police said they would investigate the uncle's allegations while admitting that officers had breached normal protocol and said they regretted the incident.

Know more: Police shoot teenage protester dead in Indian-held Kashmir

The FO spokesperson also said that the arrest of All Parties Hurriyat Conference leaders on false charges is matter of concern .

"Brutality and coercion have not and will not succeed in suppressing the aspiration and struggle of Kashmiris for their right to self determination, promised to them by the UNSC resolutions," the spokesperson commented.

She said Pakistan has repeatedly stressed the need for peaceful resolution of the dispute through sustained and meaningful dialogue between Pakistan and India and in accordance with the wishes of Kashmiris.

The spokesperson assured that Pakistan will continue to extend political, diplomatic and moral support to Kashmiris.

Masarat Alam waved a Pakistani flag at an April 15 rally to greet Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani.

Know more: Kashmiri leader waves Pakistani flag at rally in Srinagar

The chief minister of Indian-held Kashmir, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, termed the waving of Pakistani flag at a Hurriyat rally as 'unacceptable', saying "it was illegal and could not be tolerated", according to reports by Indian media.

Hours after the rally, the chief minister received a call from Indian Home Minister Rajnath Singh who demanded 'immediate and strict action' against the Hurriyat leader's demonstration. He also said that there could be no compromise on national security, as politics could not impinge on national security.

Know more: Kashmir's chief minister calls waving of Pakistani flag 'unacceptable'

Police officer K Rajendra said Masarat Alam was arrested Friday under India's Unlawful Activities Act.

Rajendra also said police put two other separatist leaders, Syed Ali Geelani and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, under house arrest to prevent them from leading a planned march last Friday to protest the killing of a militant commander's brother in India-held Kashmir.

Know more: Indian police arrest Kashmiri leader over protest, raising pro-Pakistan slogans

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