Condemning the killing of an activist of Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, the party chairman Yasin Malik on Thursday demanded an “impartial probe” into what he called as unprovoked firing on peaceful protests near the Line of Control (LoC).
JKLF activist Nadeem Butt, according to a JKLF spokesman, was hit by a bullet on March 16 during a march called by the party to protest against killing and maiming of Kashmiris in shelling by the armies of India and Pakistan on both sides of the LoC.
“Our young and old, children and women are falling prey to the bombs and bullets and on 16th March 2018, JKLF had called for a peaceful march against the same, during which Nadeem Butt along with many others received the bullets from Azad Kashmir police on their bodies and finally Nadeem succumbed to his wounds yesterday and attained martyrdom,” said the spokesman.
Calling for an impartial judicial probe into the “ugly incident of unprovoked firing”, Malik said that the “government of Azad Jammu Kashmir and its leaders instead of using foul language against freedom fighters should immediately call for a impartial probe into this firing and bring culprits who showered bullets on peaceful protesters, killed Naeem Butt and injured many others, to the book.”
Led by Malik, various JKLF leaders and activists participated in a prayer meeting today.
“Terming the martyrdom of Nadeem Butt as a continuation of the sacrifices rendered by Kashmiris for their freedom from last 71 years, JKLF chairman while speaking to the participants of the meeting said that Naeem Butt’s martyrdom has reminded us of our gallant leaders and activists who strived for complete freedom of Jammu Kashmir and never shied away from rendering sacrifice of their lives for this righteous cause,” said the spokesman.
“The departure of this young passionate Kashmiri has pierced our hearts and souls and nation of Kashmir shares the pain and agony of his bereaved family,” said Malik, as per the spokesman.
He also called upon the JKLF leaders and cadres to show “complete restraint”, as JKLF, he said “is a responsible freedom loving organization which has a glorious history of struggle and sacrifices.”
“Our struggle is based on justice and truth and we have to show magnanimity and restraint while mourning the loss of our brother Naeem. He appealed the activists and leaders of JKLF to remain calm and mark their protest with restraint and nobility.”