Issue separate white paper on K-crisis: Sikhs to Centre

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, February 13

The All Parties Sikh Coordination Committee (APSCC) on Wednesday urged the Centre to issue a separate white paper on the ‘crisis’ after the eruption of militancy in 1990.

“If anybody or any community feels annoyed with the Muslims in J&K, then I appeal to the Prime Minister to bring out two separate white papers on the Kashmir crisis. These white papers should be on the crisis in Kashmir from 1947 to 1990 and from 1990 till today. This will clear the doubts of people who wish to create a wedge,” said Jagmohan Raina, APSCC chairman, in a statement.

He said issuing a separate white paper was necessary as ‘fingers were being pointed towards the Muslims with regard to atrocities towards a particular community in 1990 in Kashmir’. “It will be prudent that the PM comes out with a white paper over the issue along with a separate one on atrocities carried out from 1947 to 1990,” he added.

He said since the Government of India had claimed that the situation was normal in Kashmir, New Delhi should therefore take all necessary steps in this regard. “Since Internet has been considered as an essential component in the Right to Freedom of Speech by the Supreme Court, the same should be restored in full form in the entire UT of J&K. Due to restrictions on Internet the normal life has been paralysed in J&K, especially Kashmir. The affluent were able to move outside in order to file sales tax or income tax returns, but what about those who cannot do so?”

Raina further said since Kashmir had suffered badly due to the prolonged restrictions and shutdown, the common masses should ensure no further damage was done to the economy.