Attack on Kashmir-bound passenger bus in Haryana unacceptable: Mirwaiz North Kashmir
Demands immediate arrest of perpetrators and concrete guarantees of safety for Kashmiris
STC NEWS DESK
SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 29 (STC): Targeting innocent bus passengers travelling to Kashmir in Haryana is wholly unacceptable and such incidents cannot be met with mere formal condemnation followed by silence, said Dr Mirwaiz Hassan Firdousi in his statement issued to press.
He has observed that an attack on an elderly citizen and the intimidation of passengers constitute a serious violation of the law, human values and fundamental rights, warranting immediate and decisive intervention by the concerned authorities.
Dr Mirwaiz Hassan Firdousi further stated that reports of threats, harassment and attacks against Jammu and Kashmir-registered vehicles and residents of the region in other states have become a matter of grave concern. Such incidents are deepening the sense of insecurity and anxiety among the people of Kashmir. He emphasised that Kashmiri citizens have every right to travel, conduct business and pursue education anywhere in the country without fear or intimidation. No one should be permitted to curtail these rights through threats, coercion or violence.
He has demanded immediate identification and arrest of all those involved: Every person responsible for the attack must be identified and arrested without delay, and the strictest action permissible under the law must be taken against them. Besides, he urged the Haryana Government and the Union Government to investigate the incident thoroughly, and the findings must be made public. “No individual responsible should be allowed to evade accountability because of political influence or administrative negligence,” he said.
He also demanded proper medical care and assistance for the injured passenger: The elderly Kashmiri passenger must receive appropriate medical treatment and necessary assistance, while the safety and welfare of all other affected passengers must also be ensured.
Besides, the Haryana Government and other state administrations must take effective and practical measures to protect Kashmiri passengers, traders, students and other citizens. Mere assurances are no longer sufficient; governments must demonstrate through tangible action that the safety and security of Kashmiri citizens are a genuine priority, he said in the statement and added that intimidation, harassment and attacks against Kashmiris must end.
Dr Mirwaiz Hassan Firdousi stressed that ensuring the safety of citizens is a constitutional responsibility of the government, not a discretionary favour. He asserted that Kashmiris must not be made to feel fearful or insecure while travelling in their own country. Failure to respond promptly and effectively to such incidents would seriously undermine the rule of law and erode public confidence in the administration.
He further said, “Mere statements and routine condemnations are no longer enough. The need of the hour is immediate arrests, accountability and concrete action to guarantee the safety and dignity of Kashmiris.”
(Straight Talk Communications)
