---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Nagraj Adve <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Aug 24, 2008 8:07 PM Subject: urgent statement on Kashmir To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
URGENT: STATEMENT BY CIVIL LIBERTIES ORGANIZATIONS RE CURFEW IN KASHMIR Please forward this statement widely, and particularly to press people that you may know. Nagraj (PUDR) PRESS STATEMENT Civil liberties organizations demand lifting of curfew in Kashmir Many journalists beaten up 24 August 2008 Srinagar The declaration of curfew in ten districts in Jammu & Kashmir from 4 am today is untimely. The Valley has just recently returned to some degree of normalcy, and people have been able to peacefully gather and voice their demands. None of these gatherings have been accompanied by violence. We have been witness to many peaceful protests in four districts visited by us over the last two days and there has been no threat of violence. We have reliable information that at least four journalists have been beaten up by the security forces. These include Mr Bilal and Mr Muzaffar of Sahara Samay, and a cameraman from ETV. These journalists told us that as many as 34 journalists have been beaten up during the curfew today. It is difficult confirm this number since the curfew prevents any physical movement. Journalists are not being allowed to report the situation. Contrary to the perception that the imposition of curfew is meant to prevent violent confrontation, the present curfew threatens to start a violent confrontation — because it would attempt to prevent the peaceful gathering in Lal Chowk in central Srinagar tomorrow (Monday), and because the curfew would give security forces the power to use force against people who attempt to proceed towards the venue. It would create a confrontation that can easily be avoided. We appeal to the central government to intervene without delay to ensure the lifting of curfew to enable normal political process and prevent any further loss of life. Sharmila Purkayastha, Harish Dhawan, Paramjeet Singh (People's Union for Democratic Rights) Professor Babiah, Professor Ramaswamy (Progressive Democratic Front, Karnataka) Mr Raghunath (Andhra Pradesh Civil Liberties Committee) --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Green Youth Movement" group. To post to this group, send email to greenyouth@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/greenyouth?hl=en-GB -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
