Targami expresses concern over prevailing situation in Kashmir

Srinagar: CPI (M) senior leader and legislator from Kulgam constituency Muhammad Yousuf Tarigami Saturday expressed concern over the prevailing situation in Kashmir. He said the abductions of relatives of policemen by militants in south Kashmir, following allegations of police harassment of their family members and torching of houses of two militants is a worrisome situation as targeting and harassment of unarmed civilians is not only unethical but against the human values.
“By such incidents whose “cause” is served? The abductions, arrests and killings of relatives of policemen, militants and political workers, damaging properties won’t serve anybody’s “cause”. Where does all this lead us to? Are we drifting towards a lawless society?”
“We urge upon all those involved in the conflict not to target families of each other and allow them to live peaceful life. If we remain silent on such incidents this time, history won’t forgive us. What should be preventable and on what we can contribute more effectively is to raise our voice and build peace opinion against such incidents,” Targami said.
He said that in late 1990’s when more or less same situation emerged as killings of uninvolved kin of one group by the other and vice-versa were at its peak, I wrote letters to then Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah and Hurriyat Conference chief Syed Ali Shah Geelani drawing their attention towards the deadly situation. Personally, I am against all forms of violence.
“I appeal leaders of various political parties to rise above the ideologies to desist from discourse which only deepens uncertainty. This we have to do notwithstanding our fundamental differences, which perhaps can’t be resolved easily and so soon.”