Srinagar/ Aug,2 : Jammu and Kashmir Peoples’ Conference (JKPC) on Monday condemned the stringent order issued by the Criminal Investigation Department, Special Branch – Kashmir about the verification related to passports, government schemes and recruitment in government service. Below is the text of the statement issued by J&K Peoples’ Conference:-
The order not only gives arbitrary powers to the sleuths of the Special Branch but also appoints them as judge, jury and executioner— in this case — to pulverize career prospects of Kashmiri youth and to push them away from the mainstream of the country.
The new law is unambiguously harsh. Most importantly in contravention to the spirit of the speech made by the Hon’ble Prime Minister at All-Party Meet. The thrust and recurring theme of the PM’s speech was that the distance of hearts between Delhi and Srinagar needs to be decreased. Such orders will not resolve or decrease the distance between New Delhi and Srinagar and will certainly increase the alienation of the people towards the institutions of government and the psychological distance between Delhi. Earlier the Kashmiris were at the receiving end of media trials of parachuted journalists and now it seems the parachuted bureaucrats want to unleash the Khap Panchayat style criminal jurisprudence system in the region.
A fair trial backed by evidence is the constitutional right of every individual and presumption of innocence until an accused/suspect is proven guilty is the cornerstone of rule of law in India. Surprisingly the upholders of the law are out to demolish the founding principle of the Rule of Law and criminal jurisprudence in Kashmir. How the investigative agency is conferring sweeping power on itself violates constitutional principles observed in the rest of the country. Undoubtedly this order is beyond the pay and grade of a typical administrative services officer has long-lasting societal and political ramifications. Criminality has to have a uniform definition across the country. The notions of criminality cannot be twisted and turned to create a customized legal system for the people of J&K, in violation of constitutional morality and principles. These custom-made definitions will not only implicate innocents; destroy hundreds and thousands of careers; but also push youth away from mainstream activities.
With one order the government has in all possibility created hurdles for lakhs of young men and women from acquiring means of economic livelihood and enjoy the benefits of government schemes. Can we humbly ask, what will these youth – who will be declared unemployable by the sleuths of the special branch — do to earn a dignified livelihood and pursue a career?
These officers not only lack experience in dealing with the sensitive situation of Kashmir but will most likely leave the place in three to five years, like tourists. Without sounding rhetorical it is our humble appeal to people scripting these laws to look beyond 2-to-3-years of their tenures. These ill-thought structural changes will bring negative ramifications lasting decades. It is our earnest appeal to the bureaucracy: please do not sow seeds of anger and poison for our future generations.
