Traders protest against Kulgam civilian killings
Srinagar, October 23: Demanding end to innocent killings in Kashmir, several valley based trade unions today held protest here against killing of seven civilians in Laroo village of south Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Sunday.
The protesting traders demanded strict action against perpetrators of Kulgam massacre in which seven civilians including two children lost their lives while dozens others were injured.
The incident took place after people rushed to the gunfight site, despite police warning, wherein a live shell went off.
Traders also offered funeral prayers in absentia for slain civilians at Srinagar’s Press enclave and expressed solidarity with bereaved families.
Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KCCI) an amalgam of various trade unions staged protest at Rajbagh area of the city this morning against what they termed unabated civilian killings at the hands of government forces in Kashmir.
Demanding structured and meaningful dialogue between India Pakistan and the genuine leadership of Jammu and Kashmir, KCCI Vice-President Nasir Hameed Khan said until and unless Kashmir issue is resolved, peace cannot be expected in hinterland.
“Our protest is aimed at conveying a loud and clear message to the world community to wake up against worst human rights violation in Kashmir. It is unfortunate that world community is tight-lipped over the innocent civilians killings,” said Khan while talking to reporters.
He said a purposeful dialogue process between India, Pakistan and state leadership must be initiated to end the cycle of violence which has so far claimed thousands of lives in Kashmir.
Members of separate faction of Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers (KTMF) headed by Bashir Ahmad Rather gathered at Press Enclave and offered absentia prayers for the slain.
Condemning the killing, KTMF President, KTMF President, Bashir Ahmad Rather said Kulgam like incidents will further deteriorate situation in Kashmir and alienate youth.
Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation (KTMF) led by Mohammad Yasin Khan also held peaceful sit-in protest at Press Enclave here against Kulgam killings.
Kashmir Economic Alliance (KEA) led by Farooq Ahmad Dar also staged a silent sit-in protest here demanding end to bloodbath in Kashmir valley.
Talking to reporters, Khan while condemning civilian killings in Kulgam said on one hand India claims Kashmir as its integral part while on the other its forces continue to kill innocent people on daily basis.
A protest march was also taken out from Naikbagh Natipora to Nowgam Chowk by South City Traders and Manufacturers Federation against Kulgam incident.
