Mir says people of J&K have rejected violence, warns against attempts to disturb peace and normalcy
JAMMU, Nov 12: Senior Vice President of the Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party (JKAP), Ghulam Hassan Mir, has strongly condemned the recent terror attack in Kulgam and the subsequent killing of two Special Police Officers (SPOs), terming these incidents as deeply disturbing and a direct challenge to the collective desire of the people of Jammu and Kashmir for lasting peace, stability and normalcy.
Expressing profound grief over the loss of precious lives, Mir said that targeting security personnel and killing two SPOs who were performing their duties and working to earn an honest livelihood was an inhuman and cowardly act that deserved unequivocal condemnation from every section of society.
He said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have endured decades of violence, uncertainty and bloodshed, paying an enormous price in terms of human lives, shattered families, economic setbacks and lost opportunities. Having experienced the devastating consequences of militancy, the people have increasingly chosen the path of peace, reconciliation, development and a dignified future for their children.
“Those involved in such acts must understand that violence has no acceptance among the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Our society has suffered enough. People want their children to study, young people to pursue employment opportunities, businesses to flourish and families to live without fear. They do not want a return to the dark days of violence and uncertainty,” Mir said.
He observed that such incidents are not merely isolated acts of violence but have wider implications for the social, economic and psychological well-being of the region. Every terror attack creates an atmosphere of fear and insecurity, adversely affects public confidence and raises concerns among ordinary citizens about their safety. It also threatens the confidence of traders, investors, tourists and other economic stakeholders who are essential to Jammu and Kashmir’s economic recovery.
Mir said that the killing of the two SPOs was particularly tragic as they were individuals serving in difficult circumstances to support their families. Their deaths have not only deprived two families of their loved ones but have also created an atmosphere of grief and insecurity among their colleagues and the wider community. He emphasised that the sacrifices of security personnel and police officials must never be taken lightly and that the government has a responsibility to ensure their safety, strengthen security arrangements and respond firmly to every attempt to disturb peace.
“The government must take serious cognisance of these incidents. Those responsible must be identified and brought to justice through the strictest possible legal action. There should be no complacency in dealing with elements who seek to destabilise the situation and undermine the peaceful aspirations of our people,” he added.
Mir further cautioned that repeated incidents of violence could undermine the confidence painstakingly built among people over the years and adversely affect the development process, tourism, trade, investment and employment opportunities. He said that maintaining peace is not merely a responsibility of security agencies but a collective necessity for protecting the future of Jammu and Kashmir.
He also urged the government to extend all necessary assistance and support to the bereaved families of the slain SPOs, ensuring that they do not face financial or administrative difficulties during this hour of immense grief.
Reiterating the Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party’s unequivocal opposition to terrorism and all forms of violence, Mir said that the party stands firmly with the victims and their families and believes that the aspirations of the people can only be fulfilled through peace, democratic engagement, economic progress and social harmony.
He maintained that Jammu and Kashmir cannot afford to lose another generation to violence and that every responsible political, social and community voice must collectively reject terrorism and strengthen the environment of peace and mutual trust.”The future of Jammu and Kashmir must be shaped by education, employment, development and democratic aspirations, not by the guns and violence of a handful of elements who want to push the region backwards,” Mir asserted.