Gross human rights violations and the much-condemned Bandipore killings figured prominently in the Urdu media in the Kashmir Valley.

       Srinagar Times (21 February) in its editorial, “Bandipore incident to be probed”, commented on the Bandipore incident that evoked widespread condemnation in the valley. “Extending heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, Chief Minister, Mufti Mohd. Sayeed ordered a probe into the incident. Opposition members and leaders in the coalition too called it an inhuman act. The Army used five ordinary men as a shield; they were killed in the ensuing gun-battle. Bandipore witnessed strong protests in lieu of these inhuman killings.” It continued, “Perhaps it for the first time that every Indian mainstream party and separatist group condemned the killing in one voice. Mehbooba Mufti, President PDP said that such brutal killings derail the peace process. Hurriyat (Abbas) threatened that if such inhuman acts continued, they would pull out of the dialogue process with Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani. The matter was also taken up in the Lok Sabha.” Summing up, it said “The people are part of war against terrorism. In Jammu and Kashmir, the Army has been fighting militancy for 15 years but will succeed only if it commands the people’s support. Contrary to this, if the Army continues to use the people as their shield, difficult situations akin to the Bandipore are bound to arise thereby making it more difficult for it to carry out its duties”.

The blingual Alsafa (24 February) in its lead news gave prominence to the statement of the Chief Minister: “In the state assembly, Mufti confessed that during the year 2003, 11 people were killed in custody, 30 such cases are being investigated. However, one SP and four officials found guilty in human rights violations were dismissed.” It continued, “10 out of 12 cases of human rights violations had been found baseless. In 2003, 275 people were released on the occasion of the Eid, and on 26 January, 52 detainees were released. He said 533 people were detained under the Public Safety Act. Referring to the Law Minister, Mushtaq Lone’s killing, he said that four people had been identified in this regard. They include Hilal Ahmed Dar and Gh. Mohd. Dar, both constables”

The Assembly session was shortened following uproar against human rights violations, reported the Aftab (18 February) in its lead news. “The gross human rights violations shook the state assembly; assembly members unmindful of party association raised much hue and cry on human rights violations. They demanded an impartial probe into such incidents and rigorous punishment to the guilty. Taking due notice of the complaints against human rights violations, Finance and Law Minister, Muzaffar Beig assured members that even a minor incident of this nature would be taken seriously.” It continued, “the security forces are asked to take utmost care of ordinary people during counter-insurgency operations. Replying to a question on the recent killings in the Valley, Beig said that Advani too had condemned these killings and the state government had already issued orders that human rights violations should not take place under any circumstances. He assured that in the government’s common minimum programme, it would be finalized that any inhuman act be probed and the guilty brought to justice.

In its editorial, the Alsafa (29 February) commented on the aftermath of the Bandipore incident: “Police opened fire on a massive procession and killed a student protesting against the brutal killing of five people in Bandipore by security forces. It is not only in Bandipore, but such incidents take place everywhere in this turbulent valley. During the last 16 years of turmoil many innocent people have been killed. Whereas the state government had assured probes into such incidents, only few incidents had been looked into. While condemning these killings Deputy Prime Minister, L K Advani assured that steps would be taken to put a check on such incidents”. It continued, “Political groups in valley have expressed serious concern over the prevailing circumstances. Moments after taking oath, Chief Minister, Mufti Sayeed said that peace will be his government’s first priority but gross human rights violations and custodial killings have belied such claims. Protests demonstrations are a democratic right but it is only in Kashmir that even peaceful protesters are fired upon.” There are no serious steps being taken to prevent gross human rights violations in Kashmir. The handshake meeting between Vajpayee and Musharraf gave a glimmer of hope to beleaguered Kashmiris that the resolution of Kashmir was nearing but the last two months of spiraling violence have put a question mark on the future course of the dialogue process, summed up the editorial.