Srinagar, Nov 26: Muhammad Ahsan Untoo, Chairman of International Forum for Justice (IFJ), a civil society group, on Saturday castigated Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for suggesting incorporation of two provisions of  Criminal Procedure Code in state’s CrPC  to provide legal cover to the central forces operating here.
 Addressing a news conference here Untoo said, “Omar’s proposal to restore two provisions of CrPC has exposed his hidden motive behind the hue and cry raised by his government  over revoking the  Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from JK.”
 “The uproar created over it (withdrawing AFSPA) is only meant to provide legal protection to the armed forces under the state law than the existing central law. This move is more dangerous than the draconian laws like AFSPA, Disturbed Areas Act and Public Safety and his remarks reflect the dangerous mindset of ruling clique,” he said.
 Untoo flanked by Abdul Qadeer Dar, chairman of Peoples Rights Movement and Abdur Rouf Khan secretary Human Rights Forum, said, “They will oppose any such move tooth and nail. The need of the hour is that civil society and rights groups should raise their voice against this conspiracy.” Demanding complete revocation of the AFSPA, which was imposed in the Valley in 1990 during Governor’s rule and extended to Jammu province during Farooq Abdullah's tenure in 2001, the IFJ chairman said: “The sword of this law is hanging like a sword over heads of Kashmiris for past 21 years. Hundreds of Kashmiris got killed or were subjected to enforced disappearance during past 20-years but perpetrators of these heinous crimes are enjoying impunity.”
 “The killers of advocate Jalil Andrabi, advocate Abdul Qadir Salani and advocate Peer Hasamuddin are roaming free. The forces involved in killing of Wamiq Farooq, Zahid Farooq and Tufail Matoo have not been punished, despite being identified. This is only due to applicability of AFSPA in JK ,”he  added.
 Untoo said that Kashmiris have failed to provide legal help to hundreds of detainees languishing in the jails within and outside. “We cannot blame any particular group or person for it. Whether it is common man, separatists or mainstream, all have to take responsibility for it. I tried my best to draw attention towards this issue and it is due to our efforts parties like Congress, BJP are talking about this matter now,” he added.
SURVEY RELEASED
 On the occasion, Untoo also released a report about the causalities in his native area of Devar, Lolab during the past two decades.
 The report reveals that 138 person’s locals were killed by forces , unidentified gunmen and landmines (IED’s) in the area, since 1990.
 It adds that only 23 among them were armed militants and 72 of them were killed in alleged fake encounters. Eight civilians were also killed by unidentified gunmen.
 It states that 21 families have lost more than one of their inmates during past two decades.
 The report further adds that 43 were subjected to enforced disappearances after being arrested by police and forces.

Lastupdate on : Sat, 26 Nov 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sat, 26 Nov 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sun, 27 Nov 2011 00:00:00 IST