NEW DELHI: A four-member committee on Kashmir which visited Kashmir from May 20 to 25 has in its report on the human rights situation in the Kashmir valley concluded that though the militancy in the valley has been curbed to a noticeable extent the brutal methods by which this result was brought about have increased the bitterness of the people against the Indian Government as well as the Indian State.

The frequent military crackdowns the inhuman torture of innocent persons the indiscriminate shooting at people the frequent thefts and the occasional rapes committed by the security forces have increased the disgust and resentment of the people the report added.

Besides meeting a large number of people from various walks of life in different parts of the valley the committee members interviewed a number of government officials including General Zaki the Personal Adviser to the Government of J&K and K.S.Bedi Director General of Police.

Among other things the committee has recommended to put a stop to torture to which persons who are suspected of militancy are subjected to. In decimate firing at the people at the hands of the military and Para-military forces must also be brought to an end and prompt action should be taken of allegations of theft and rape; the report added.

In order to inspire confidence in the people enquiries which are made against the erring members of the security forces should be open to entrusted agencies and in every case the punishment awarded to the guilty should be widely publicized the report recommended.

The report further said that high powered grievances redressed machinery should be set up for reducing the suffering of the people. The machinery should be easily accessible and prompt in action the report said.

The committee recommended that a scheme should be prepared for withdrawing the military and paramilitary forces from civil duties and at the same time giving more powers to the J&K police for the maintenance of law and order.

The report further recommended that the Hindu Pandits who have left the valley should return to their homes and a dialogue between the leaders of the two communities was necessary to create conditions in which the migrants can return to Kashmir and live with dignity and a since of security.

Article extracted from this publication >> June 19, 1992