Srinagar, June 16: A day after Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) called for jail bharo against human rights violations in Kashmir, civil society members Wednesday welcomed the initiative.
 Senior counsel, Zaffar Shah while commenting on the issue said, “It is one of the recognized and effective means of protest against human rights violations. This is a kind of a protest in which the protesters have taken upon themselves the means of protest rather than staying indoors and asking others to protest who become subject to state terrorism.”
 Zaffar said that it also shows the morale courage of the persons who will participate in this protest.
 “The international community, it is believed, will take a serious note of it as such protest are staged against state terrorism all throughout the world,” he added.
 Prof Gul Muhammad Wani, who teaches Political Science at University of Kashmir, said, “Over a period of time Malik has taken to non-violent means. Latest initiative is also another non-violent way of protest.” 
  “Apart from protesting against human rights violations, Malik wants inclusion of Kashmiris in the dialogue process. There is a feeling that India and Pakistan have put Kashmir on a backburner and are giving priority to other issues,” Prof Wani said.
 He said that jail bharo would definitely have an impact. “It would give some momentum to the freedom struggle as it is a unique way of non-violent protest.”
 Noted medico, Dr Altaf Hussain termed it as a wise decision. “It is a long overdue. Government of India is trying all its tricks in its bag to muzzle the voice of Kashmiris. Kashmiris have to find ways and means to protest peacefully,” he said.
 Urging the people to make the programme successful, he said, “New Delhi will stand exposed before the international community if they will try to stop it. Kashmiris have voluntarily renounced the gun and if they are not allowed to protest peacefully international community will realise it.”
 Poet and social activist, Zareef Ahmad Zareef said, “Kashmir is a chronic issue and we have suffered huge losses till now. This is a new concept. It will harm them only and not the common people. Other means have harmed common people a lot.”
 “It will have a good impact. Till now we have only suffered and now there is a need to find novel ways of protests. We have to keep our voice alive and for that we need to strategize this. There is a need to take others onboard also,” he added.

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