STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Public Opinion Forum (POF) expressed concern over the disturbance being created in the ongoing annual Amarnath Yatra subsequent to the elimination of terrorist Burhan Wani.
In a meeting held here on Wednesday, President POF, Parveen Sharma said “Terrorism and gunning down of militants in the Valley is not a new phenomenon. But this time just because of the Amarnath Yatra is going on the event has been glorified beyond proportions due to ulterior motives.
“The POF felt that release of past stone pelters on the eve of Eid is another factor in the ongoing youths versus security forces stand-off causing deaths and destruction. The Forum condemn unconditional release of criminals and culprits where ever they may be.”
The forum felt that youths were instigated by separatists to resort to violence to curve Yatra. Forum has also learnt that Yatris entering J and K are being harassed at Lakhanpur and forced them to turn back, therefore wants government to make its stand clear on such happenings at Lakhanpur.
The forum also called upon the government to ensure comfortable stay for the stranded Yatris wherever they have been halted and also demanded adequate compensation and martyr status to those security personnel who have been killed by the violent crowds.
While commending security forces for using minimum force and bearing the full brunt of violence of misguided youths, the forum appealed to the parents of misguided youths to control their wards’ violent sentiments by telling them that the future of Kashmir and their own lies in peace and prosperity.