Srinagar, Mar 19: Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL) has called for shutdown in Kashmir Wednesday against the custodial death of a school teacher.
“JRL has strongly condemned the custodial killing of 28-year-old school teacher Rizwan Asad Pandith of Awantipora who was picked up by the SOG and NIA a few days ago,” said a statement today.
JRL has expressed sympathy with his bereaved family, it added.
“…this custodial killing is not only one of its kind but prior to this, hundreds and thousands of young and old Kashmiris have been killed in this manner,” said the JRL.
The JRL said that the killing of Pandith has “increased the vulnerability” of Kashmiri inmates languishing in different jails of India and jails of Jammu and Kashmir, and “jeopardized their lives.”
JRL said that people will observe a complete and comprehensive protest strike on Wednesday against the “gruesome custodial killing of Rizwan Asad, intimidation and harassment by the police, SOG and other Indian investigative agencies, arbitrary arrests, slapping of draconian PSA, summoning political activists to SOG camps and thus creating atmosphere of fear in Jammu Kashmir.”
The JRL appealed all segments of society including traders, lawyers, bar association and civil society to peacefully protest against the “custodial killing and assaults on Kashmiris”.
“On Friday, March 22nd, 2019, after Friday (Juma) prayers, people at all Masajid, Khanqahs and Imam Baras will raise their voices peacefully against this custodial killing by NIA and SOG and continuing policy of oppression,” said the statement.
