The members of the Group of Concerned Citizens (Jammu and Kashmir), which comprises academics, senior civil servants, jurists, journalists and trade union leaders, have expressed deep shock over civilian killings at Kulgam district, saying they are aghast at the tragedy.
A statement issued here said the tragedy raises grave concerns about the “mode and manner of the security forces operation that left seven civilians dead and scores injured”.
“The SOPs have been apparently violated, with impunity,” the statement said.
As per GCC, Kulgam killings raise many questions that remain unanswered and would
be unravelled if a thorough probe into the “brutal and dastardly incident is conducted”, the statement said.
“We strongly condemn the loss of innocent lives and call for an impartial and time-bound probe into the painful incident, at the highest level, through credible persons, so that those responsible for it are unmasked and dealt with under law.
We express our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. The civilian deaths once again underscore need for an immediate, meaningful and result oriented dialogue between the stakeholders,” the statement added.
Among the GCC members who have expressed shock over the Kulgam tragedy includes Justice (retired) Hasnain Masoodi; Muhammad Shafi Pandit, former chairman Public Service Commission; GR Sufi, former chief information commissioner; Abdul Wahid Qureshi, former VC Kashmir University; Hashmatullah Khan, former VC SKUAST; Fayaz Ahmad Kaloo, editor-in-chief Greater Kashmir and President Editors Guild; Masood Hussain, artist; Rafiq Masoodi, former ADG DD; Munshi Ghulam Hassan, former chairman J&K Bank; M Zaman Azurda, former dean and head, faculty of arts KU; Prof Nusrat Andrabi, former principal Government College for Women; Anuradha Bhasin, executive editor Kashmir Times; Feroz Ahmad, former commissioner/secretary to government (Leh); AR Khan, former IGP and member State Human Rights Commission; Syed Noor-Ul-Hassan, former principal CCF; GH Kango, former principal CCF; Krishan Lal, entrepreneur; GD Bakshi, progressive farmer from Rajouri; GA Peer, former commissioner/secretary to government; Prof Indu Kilam, Jammu University; Prof Zahuruddin, Jammu University; MS Rather, former commissioner/secretary to government and secretary, Jammu and Kashmir Red Cross; GH Rather, former development commissioner Power; Rambir Singh Bali, advocate J&K High Court; Muhammad Altaf Khan, advocate J&K High Court; GJ Nehvi, former commissioner/secretary Government of J&K; Syed Masood Shah, entrepreneur; MS Magrey, former MD J&K State Financial Corporation; Muhammad Syed, former MD J&K Agro Industries and Sampat Prakash, Trade Union leader.