Srinagar, July 24: A group of citizens here has expressed concern about the recent happenings in Kashmir resulting in loss of innocent human lives, disruption of education and livelihood of people.
 The group which met here today said it was aware that turbulence in Kashmir was the result of unresolved political issues between India and Pakistan which has direct bearing on the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
 In a statement, the group said that the Kashmir issue can only be resolved through peaceful and result oriented dialogue among the stake holders.
 It appealed to the state and central government to take immediate steps to remove the trust deficit at various levels and move towards a final settlement of the issue.
 The group noted with pain that the people of “Kashmir have been caged in under inhuman conditions and expressed deep concern about the unfortunate consequences that have resulted from continued curfews and Hartals.”
 The group called for immediate release of innocent persons arrested during the recent incidents. “The arrested teens have been jailed with criminal elements which is not only highly undesirable but is in clear violation of laws,” the statement said.
 The statement said the administration and the opinion leaders of all shades should create conducive atmosphere to put the education and health care systems back on rails and ensure that livelihood particularly of the marginalized and disadvantaged sections of the people is restored.
 “The civil society expects the state government to take immediate steps to make the state functionaries and institutions accountable and make all the relevant statutory commissions fully and effectively functional,” it said.
 The meeting also decided to give shape to an organization comprising of concerned citizens from a cross section of civil society, which would keep the issues of common concern affecting the day to day lives under review and bring them to the notice of the government and authorities at appropriate levels.
 The meeting was attended by Dr Altaf Hussain, Abdul Qayoom Bakshi, Muhammad Shafi Pandit, Dr GM Shah, Qazi Muhammad Amin, Syed Noor-ul-Hassan, M Saleem Beigh, Shakeel Qalander, G R Hasrat Gadda, Syed Afaq Qadri, Haji Abdul Majid Butt and Shafi Ahmed Qadri.

Lastupdate on : Sat, 24 Jul 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sat, 24 Jul 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sun, 25 Jul 2010 00:00:00 IST