Srinagar, Dec 5: Kashmir-Delhi Civil Society Working Group (KDCSWG) on Jammu and Kashmir on Monday condemned the use of force by Jammu and Kashmir Police on religious processions in the Valley.
 “The imposition of curfew to prevent Shias from holding religious processions as part of observing Muharram is highly regrettable. The processions were banned as part of the sweeping measures taken by the government to deal with the militancy since 1989 but situation is much better now and imposing a ban on Muharram processions is unjustified,”a spokesman of KDCSWG said in a statement.   
 “Despite the fact that the violence has abated the state as well as the central governments have not reviewed the security apparatus that continues to control the Valley. Draconian laws like the Armed Forces Special Powers Act continue to remain in force with curfew being the rule and not the exception. As a result people remain oppressed and are unable to enjoy basic freedoms and rights,” he added.
 Spokesman demanded that both governments should “Stop viewing the Kashmiri’s as a threat and immediately lift the curfew; allow the religious processions along secure routes; factor in the reduced levels of violence and review the security apparatus that has long lived its utility and revoke draconian laws like AFSPA and the Public Safety Act.”

Lastupdate on : Mon, 5 Dec 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
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