[Reader-list] JKCCS condemns and seeks probe into recent grenade blasts

[Khurram Parvez]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Srinagar, Friday, 25 July 2008 
  
From: Jammu Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society 
CONTACT: Khurram Parvez, Programme Coordinator 
+91-9419013553; +91-194-2482820 
khurramparvez at yahoo.com; khurram at jkccs.org 
  
Jammu
Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society (JKCCS) feels aggrieved on the
recent grenade blasts in the public places by hitherto unknown actors,
begging for a thorough and professional investigation for truth
regarding actual perpetrators. It is incumbent upon the state agencies
to clear the air about the prevailing thick public suspicion regarding
the perpetrators. Similarly it is incumbent upon the non-state
combatant groups operating in Jammu and Kashmir to come out clearly on attacks ascribed to them by the state police. 
  
On 20th July at Gulmarg a grenade was thrown near the post office in which 2 civilians died, including a tourist. On 24th
July a grenade was thrown at the crowded Batmaloo bus stand in which
five persons of a single family, including four minors, were killed and
22 injured. Besides many other grenade blasts have taken place across
Jammu and Kashmir recently which has resulted into huge civilian casualties. 
  
JKCCS
considers these blasts a despicable act of violence and condemns it
unequivocally. Targeting of civilians in any armed conflict is not only
a violation of Geneva Convention but also amounts to a war crime. Typical of conflict situations like that of Jammu and Kashmir , we do not know who is perpetrating these crimes. 
  
The United Jehad Council (UJC) in 2007 has committed: “It
is our conviction that fundamental rules protecting the dignity of all
human beings must be upheld at all times. We therefore declare that we
shall henceforth conduct our struggle for self determination guided by
the rules of the four Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949 for the protection of the victims of armed conflicts…” As
UJC itself has committed to abiding by Geneva Convention and has
denounced use of grenades especially in crowded places in which
civilians suffer. 
  
It is pertinent to mention here that United Jehad Council in its Code of Conduct says, “Each
constituent group will ensure that its Mujahid/Mujahideen shall not
target any non-combatant; non-Muslim men, women, and children”. The Code of Conduct also commits, “Each
constituent shall abstain from targeting any public places like,
schools, religious places, hospitals, markets and population
settlements in any case”. 
  
In
the context of above mentioned pledges of UJC, we demand the truth
about these blasts be made public and perpetrators responsible for
these gruesome acts identified. The UJC cannot afford to ignore their
commitment towards the people of Jammu and Kashmir and refrain from
silence about such incidents in view of their stated commitments. 
  
We urge all the stake holders in Jammu and Kashmir to ensure the safety of all civilians. 
  
We
also call upon the Indian state to minimize stakes in violence so that
alternative means to resolve the conflict are encouraged. 
  
Ends…