Srinagar, Apr 30 (KNO): The chief executive councillor (CEC), Kargil has written to the Jammu and Kashmir Police chief Dilbagh Singh, demanding action against the police officials involved in cane charging of Ladakh bound passengers, who were stuck in Kashmir valley due to miscommunication about the traffic movement.
In a letter, addressed to J&K DGP Dilbag Singh, CEC Kargil Feroz Khan terms the incident as very unfortunate.
The letter, a copy of which lies with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), reads; “I write to you regarding a series of very unfortunate incident today that has come within the jurisdiction of Jammu & Kashmir Police. Your good self must be aware of the re-opening up of the Zojila Pass and the resumption of vehicular traffic.”
It reads that in wake of the lockdowns imposed in J&K, residents and students of Ladakh have embarked on their journey back home via the NH-1D. "However, owing to some miscommunications regarding regulation of traffic on the highway, over 200 passenger vehicles carrying families, young students, aged elderly persons were held up at various locations between Srinagar and Sonamarg with lockdown imposed in the valley and the halting of traffic on the Zojila Pass, the Ladakhi passengers were neither able to retreat back to the valley nor were able to move toward home,” reads the letter.
"In such a situation, it is expected of the government machinery to provide solace to the public. However, it is with great dismay that I have to state that the J&K Police demonstrating extremely inhumane attitude towards the stranded passengers resorted to Lathi Charging citing imposition of curfew (Even females were not spared of the cane charging). It is also reported that the passengers were threatened with tear gas shelling. Tires of vehicles were deflated and many a persons were also physically assaulted,” the letter reads.
It further reads that the harassment of the public by a professional and dedicated police force like the J&K Police under the able-leadership of an officer of your stature is the least expected.
"There must be a difference between goons and the police. The police force must understand the dire circumstances that have forced the passengers to be present in such a situation,” it reads.
Khan has requested the J&K police chief to ensure strict action against the police officials and officers responsible for the incident is initiated—(KNO)