Good response to bandh call against POTO in Kashmir

By Shujaat Bukhari

SRINAGAR NOV. 28. The implementation of the Prevention of Terrorism Ordinance (POTO) has raised a storm in Kashmir. A bandh was observed today against the ``black law'', in response to a call by the Kashmir Bar Association, which has vowed to fight the ordinance at all levels. All shops, business establishments and educational institutions remained closed and attendance in Government offices and banks was also affected.

Various sections fear the worst treatment at the hands of police and security forces, under the ordinance, which came into force on Sunday. Legal luminaries have questioned its implementation when it is yet to be ratified by the State Assembly.

Defending the ordinance, the Chief Minister, Dr. Farooq Abdullah, said ``we need a a harsh law to fight the proxy war and this ordinance is one of the best tools to crush the ongoing militancy. I have time and again been of the view that the POTO or any such law should be implemented only after a thorough discussion with the general masses,'' he said adding, ``but to fight terrorism in my State, I cannot wait for the Centre to pass the ordinance. Thus my Government is left with no option but to implement the POTO.''

He expressed confidence that the ordinance would be ratified in the Assembly. He said the State Government will include any alteration made by the Centre. He termed the registration of cases against people under the POTO as a ``good beginning''.

Almost all the political parties, except the National Conference, have decried the State Government's decision on implementing the POTO. Senior Hurriyat leader, Mr. Syed Ali Geelani, said, ``POTO is an organised, illegal and unconstitutional move against democracy and freedom.''

The Democratic Freedom Party leader, Mr. Shabir Shah, said ``it is still being debated in Parliament, but the State Government has been in a hurry to get it implemented in order to crush innocent civilians''.

It is illegal as it has neither been approved by Parliament nor ratified by the State Assembly, said Mr. Tariq Hamid Qarra of the People's Democratic Party (PDP). The CPI(M) state secretary and MLA, Mr. Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, said the implementation of the `draconian' ordinance had come at a time when major political parties in the country were against it.

Meanwhile, the police have arrested the chairman of the Human Rights Front, Mr. Mohammad Ahsan Untoo, from his residence last night. The front is mobilising people's support against the POTO and has decided to move the court.

PTI reports:

Police fired teargas shells and used batons to disperse violent crowds in many parts of the State. Several youths took to the streets to protest the arrest of a person on charges of harbouring militants and sealing his house at Safakadal on Sunday under the POTO, official sources said.

Police resorted to mild lathicharge to chase away protesters at Rambagh, Natipora, Chanipora, Batmaloo and Lal Bazar. At Batmaloo, Rainawari and Safakadal, crowds resorted to stone- pelting, they said. However, no one was injured in the clashes, they added.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : National
Next     : Doha meet a turning point: Maran