J K News Today
JAMMU MARCH 24:
National Conference on Saturday condemned brutal lathicharge on peaceful protesters in Nowshera, demanding district status, and described the police action as a tool of the PDP-BJP government to muzzle public voice.
“The lathicharge is unacceptable and those responsible for use of excessive force should be sternly dealt with”, National Conference leaders said in a joint statement, issued from Sher-e-Kashmir Bhawan here this evening.
The National Conference leaders blamed the coalition dispensation for mishandling the agitation from day one and said that instead of engaging the protesters in a meaningful dialogue, the situation was allowed to drift by pushing people to the wall. They said the border people, braving the brunt of hostilities on Line of Control, have been subjected to inhuman treatment for seeking democratic recourse to their demands.
They lamented over the arrogance and intolerant approach of the government and sought immediate dialogue with the stakeholders to resolve the issue as per their aspirations. In a democracy, the people have right to agitate and this should not be denied, they said and expressed solidarity with the people of the area.
The National Conference leaders also prayed for speedy recovery of the injured in the inhuman lathicharge.
Besides Provincial President Jammu Mr Devender Singh Rana, signatories to the joint statement included former ministers Mr Ajay Kumar Sadhotra, Mr Surjeet Singh Slathia, Syed Mushtaq Ahmed Shah Bukhari, State Secretary Th Rachpal Singh, MLA Mr Javed Rana, Provincial President YNC Mr Ajaz Jan, Mr Vipin Pal, Mr Bashir Ahmed Wani, Mr Shaffayat Khan and others.
