The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) strongly condemns the firing by security forces in Handwara town in North Kashmir which led to the deaths of three innocent young men and an elderly woman. Among those killed was a 19-year old promising cricketer. These killings have led to widespread unrest all over the valley.
It is imperative that those responsible for the firing on the civilians be arrested forthwith. There has to be a credible enquiry into the circumstances which led to the firing after the alleged molestation of a girl by army personnel.
The shooting of unarmed stone pelting crowds by the security forces, which is the common practice in Kashmir, must be stopped forthwith. The people of Kashmir must be assured that such atrocities will not be tolerated.