By Sheikh Imran Bashir, AIP
Srinagar: Jammu & Kashmir’s main opposition People’s Democratic Party, held a protest rally in Srinagar against alleged human rights violations and demanding revocation of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA).
The party President Mehbooba Mufti led the march.
It started from the headquarters of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and concluded at the Lal Chowk.
Mehbooba Mufti told to Agence India Press that we want reduction of troops, revocation of Armed forces special powers act, release of all political prisoners and control of all water resources of the State and also on Human rights violations. All of us have come together to protest against these issues.
Mehbooba Mufti said that protest marches would be held at every district headquarter of the State.
Amidst slogans of ‘Manmohan-Gilani pehal karo’ (initiate talks PM Manmohan Singh and Gilani), party president Mehbooba Mufti urged the two leaders to resume talks.
The party was “highly perturbed by obvious lack of urgency in resolving the issue of Jammu and Kashmir through peaceful means,” she said.
She also appealed the separatists and other parties to join hands for a resolution on the issue.
“This is not an election battle.. We as well as those who want independence are yearning for resolution of Kashmir issue, revocation of armed forces special powers act, demilitarisation, release of prisoners and rights on water resources,” she added.
However, Mehbooba did not miss the chance to flay the ruling National Conference.
“NC always sabotaged efforts aimed at resolution of Kashmir issue. The party is power hungry…,” she alleged, while referring to the National Conference’s poll boycott for 22 years.
Earlier, police tried to stop the march outside PDP headquarters at various places but party workers broke the cordon and marched nearly one kilometer.