Srinagar, Feb 2: Cutting across the political ideologies, militant outfits, separatist and mainstream parties on Tuesday condemned the killing of 13-year-old Wamiq Farooq Wani of Rainawari, who succumbed after being hit by a tear smoke canister fired by police at Rajouri Kadal on Sunday.
 A spokesman of the umbrella body of militant organization, United Jihad Council said its chairman Syed Salah-ud-Din had expressed profound grief over the killing of the innocent boy by forces. Condemning the killing he said the use of force on innocent Kashmiris reflects the “frustration of the central and state government.” “Such brutal acts can neither stop people from demanding their right nor can it muzzle their voices. But it unmasks the face of so-called Indian democracy,” he said adding “martyrdom of Wamiq is reflective of Kashmiris’ commitment to the cause. We support the families of martyrs and those injured in police action.”
 A spokesperson of Hurriyat Conference (G) in a statement said the complete strike observed by the people should be an eye opener for the international community that Kashmiris would continue to fight for their right to Self-determination.  “The accession to India has never been acceptable to the people of Kashmir,” he said, adding that it was fight for liberation for Kashmir.
 Terming Inspector General of Police Kashmir Farooq Ahmad’s statement as insult to injury, he said, “His assurances of investigation into the case are mere hoax.” He condemned the police action on the protestors.
 The Jammu Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party Chairman, Shabir Ahmed Shah also condemned the killing of Wamiq and visited his Rainawari residence for paying homage to him.
 “The killings of innocents have highlighted the Kashmir issue at the international level. The whole world is putting pressure on India to solve the Kashmir issue amicably. But India is not ready to give up its adamant approach,” a statement quoting Shah’s address at the residence said and urged for a unified pro-freedom group.
 Tehreek-e-Wahdat Islami Jammu and Kashmir has also condemned the killing of minor Wamiq. The party termed the killing as “state terrorism” and castigated the use of force on innocent protesting youth.
 The Jammu and Kashmir Mahaz-e-Azadi in its statement said the killing was, “ruthless attempt to quell the ongoing freedom struggle.” “We all need to take the freedom struggle to its logical conclusion. The international community shall take note of the rights violations in Kashmir,” it said.
 Meanwhile, several mainstream politician and parties have also condemned the killing.
 The National Conference has also condemned the killing and expressed solidarity with the bereaved family. In a statement, the party warned the law enforcing agencies to refrain from such unacceptable killings, which according to it was disturbing the peace in the state.
 The senior NC member and MLA Hazratbal, Dr Mustafa Kamal while condemning the killing said, “Such killings are a conspiracy to disrupt law and order in Kashmir.”
 The president Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee and Member Parliament, Prof Saifuddin Soz in a statement here expressed deep anguish over the death of the 13-year-old.
 He said, “I had earlier made it clear that such unfortunate killings by law enforcing agencies are totally unacceptable to the civil society. It is a known fact that such incidents can always be avoided.”
 “Atleast the government should institute a high level enquiry and summarily remove from service the official responsible for this unfortunate death of innocent boy. I strongly urge the administration to take a serious view of this unfortunate incident so that such incidents do not occur in future,’ he said.
 The National Panthers Party chairman, Prof Bhim Singh also condemned brutal killing and in a statement issued said, “The Congress-NC government has killed more than half a dozen youngsters in Kashmir within one month in 2010, which deserves to be condemned by all peace-loving and justice seeking people.” He demanded immediate dismissal of NC led government to stop further bloodshed of the innocent people. He also demanded Rs 50 lakh compensation to the families of the victims and judicial enquiry into these killings by a sitting judge of the Supreme Court.
 The Youth Congress leader Irfan Naqib also condemned the killing and termed it unjust. He appealed to the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah to look into the incident and take action against the culprits.

Lastupdate on : Tue, 2 Feb 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Tue, 2 Feb 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Wed, 3 Feb 2010 00:00:00 IST