J&K HC asks Centre to treat Kashmiris as its own people

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir High Court on Monday asked security forces and the central government to treat Kashmiris like their own people and not aliens while controlling crowds.

HT Image

In its observations made while hearing a PIL against the use of pellet or pump guns in Kashmir, the court asked the Centre to explain why the injuries suffered by people are above the knees -mostly in the eyes.

“You are not treating them as your own people,” observed Chief Justice N Paul Vasanthakumar and Justice Muzaffar Hussain Attar while hearing the PIL.

“Why don’t you think about it (use of pellet guns)? Your own Home Minister said avoid its use… Why don’t you find alternative methods?” the judges told the assistant Solicitor General of India. The next hearing in the case is on August 9.

Meanwhile, a 45-year-old man from Anantnag district died in a Srinagar hospital on Monday, succumbing to injuries received a few days ago during clashes.

The death has taken the toll in the ongoing clashes to 51, apart from the over 5,600 injured since Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani was gunned down on July 8. The Valley remained shut for the 24th straight day.