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SC silence disheartens families of disappeared

KT NEWS SERVICE. Dated: 8/1/2012 12:30:51 AM

SRINAGAR, Jul 31: The apex court taking suo-moto cognizance of yatris’ killing and not the disappearance cases in Kashmir has visibly disappointed the families of disappeared persons in Kashmir.
During a monthly sit-in here under the banner of JK coalition of civil society (JKCCS), the families said the Supreme Court’s approach raises questions about New Delhi’s view point towards the human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir.
“This pro-active approach of the Supreme Court is in contrast with its past record in J&K. It raises serious questions on the manner in which human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir from 1989 to date are viewed in New Delhi,” the members observed during the sit-in.
The Supreme Court took suo-moto cognizance of the death of 67 Amarnath pilgrims over the first 17 days of the Amarnath Yatra. The apex court referred to the situation as “clear disregard for human life”, the Supreme Court issued notices to the central government, state government and the head of the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board.
Subsequently, a high powered committee was constituted to investigate the reasons behind the deaths.
In past two decades, the JKCCS said, approximately 8000 persons were subject to enforced disappearances, 70,000 persons were killed during the conflict. The disclosures, it said, of 6217 unmarked graves was largely authenticated by the state government through the RTI process and the State Human Rights Commission. And that the cases merited similar suo-moto cognizance by the apex court.
“On the contrary, cases that have been litigated before the Supreme Court, from the Masooda Parveen case to the recent Pathribal fake encounter case, have been dealt with in disappointing and problematic ways,” it said.
The association, however, maintained that the enforced disappearances were a clear disregard for human life and “shall shake the conscience of any State or judicial system.”
JKCCS reiterated its commitment to continue to bring the truth forward.