Can government stop police from committing atrocities?: asks youth in Kashmir

Srinagar, July 9: A group of alleged stone pelters in south Kashmir Monday asked if the government was really serious in redressing the grievances of local youth, stating: “can government stop police from committing atrocities?”

This group of youth in Shopian, who wished not to be named in this news story, alleged that most of the law and order problems occur due to “highhandedness of police.” They were interacting with the delegation of South Asia Peace Movement led by its chairman Tariq Bhat.

“We are common citizens and want to live a normal life like any other citizen. But how would you feel when your dignity and self-respect is attacked by abusive language by cops. It is shame for them that they (policemen) have acting as mafia and dacoits, entering into residential houses on the name of raids and searches and take away gold and other valuables on gun point,” they said.

They alleged that youth are detained in police stations and their parents are asked to pay huge amounts for their release. “It is better for us to take the gun, kill those who harass us and also get martyred. We will prefer to die like a brave than to live like a slave ad oppressed,” they said.

After giving them patient hearing, South Asia peace Movement Chairman Tariq Bhat assured them that he would take their grievances and complaints to the concerned authorities.

“Whatever you said has touched my heart. Those who misuse their official power and position shall be punished. Police and forces are for our protection, for the protection of life and property. If there are some black sheeps, let you identify them, we will together take up the matter with concerned officials,” Bhat told them.

Bhat while speaking about the values of transparency, accountability, humanity and democracy,  impressed upon them to continue with their studies and jobs.

“Our cops are one of the best police in entire country. Those are bringing insult this department have no right to put on the sacred Khaki.  We are the youth, we have to be agents of change,” Bhat further told them.

He assured them that he would use his good offices for redressal of their grievances.