Islamic University Faculty Association condemns HR violations in valley

Srinagar: Islamic University Faculty Association (IUFA) has condemned the human rights violations in the valley.

“Taking strong note of the increasing cases of bloodshed and abuse within the state, Islamic University Faculty Association (IUFA) demands for an immediate end to the civilian killings, use of pellet guns, flagrant attempts to obstruct justice in the Kathua minor gang rape and murder case, cases of gross human rights abuses like incidents of human shields, etc as these have escalated the tension and added to the suffering of Kashmiris,” reads the Press Note issued by the association.

IUFA severely condemned the spree of civilian killings in the valley and denounced the use of pellets. “Pellets have left thousands severely injured and maimed for life with hundreds permanently blinded,” read the statement.

While calling the situation in the valley ‘bleak and brazen’, IUFA further said that they are deeply saddened and pained at the horrendous Kathua minor gang rape and murder.

The association called for exemplary punishment to the culprits and stern action against their supporters and also demanded death penalty for child rape cases in the state and elsewhere.

The association further stated that ‘they look with deep concern at the blockade caused by a section of the society particularly by lawyers in the delivery of justice and protests against the blatant attempts by them, various political workers, and co-conspiring police officials to communalize this case’.

Expressing their opinion, they said IUFA is of the view that regardless of the religious beliefs, every human soul on this planet should be ashamed of such heinous crimes and should do everything possible in bringing the culprits to justice.

IUFA, moreover, called for ‘an immediate stop of force and violence against the student community of the valley, whose lives are put at risk by muzzling their freedom of expression due to blockage of all communication channels and by not allowing peaceful protests’. Teachers are also concerned about the overall impact on education, they added.

The association also demanded dispensation of justice and severe punishment to the culprits of Shabir Ahmad Mango, a college lecturer, who was killed on the night of August 17, 2016 during police custody. The forum expressed their dismay and disappointment over the delay of justice.

They further demanded for immediate initiation of talks with all stake holders so that the human tragedy in valley and elsewhere is not perpetuated infinitely.