Targeting families of militants: PDP legislator to boycott Aug 15 celebrations as a mark of protest

Srinagar: People’s Democratic Party legislator from Tral, Mushtaq Ahmed Shah Friday appealed Governor Administration not to harass the relatives of militants. He said this move will have serious implications and it will further alienate the already depressed youth of South Kashmir.
Shah’s appeal came in wake of detention of over a dozen people, mostly relatives of militants by police in different parts of Tral town.
Shah said that he is really disturbed by the latest trend in which relatives and ‘innocent’ young men are being picked up by government forces in Tral. “Police have made arrests from Seer, Gulshanpora, Laam, Nazneen Pora. Being a public representative, I am answerable to people but police didn’t listen to me which is unfortunate. If the trend doesn’t stop, there will be more surge in militancy. It is better to have reconciliatory policy than the one based on revenge and avenge.”
Mushtaq Ahmed Shah said that as a mark of protest he will boycott the proceedings of upcoming August 15 celebrations.
“What is the fault of the relatives of militants. Why are you harassing them. You have to fight against militants and you should not target the family members of these militants. Late Chief Minister Mufti Muhammad Sayeed was of the belief and opinion that families of militants should not and can’t be targeted,” he said and urged Governor NN Vohra to ensure families of militants are not targeted.
Meanwhile, protests were held amid a complete shutdown in Tral township against the arrest spree.
Scores of people took to streets and pelted stones on army vehicles passing through the area to lodge their protest against random arrests.
Shops and business establishments remained closed in the town while traffic also remained off the roads.