National

RTI reveals 2,683 FIRs about missing Kashmiris

The Milli Gazette
Published Online: Oct 03, 2012
Print Issue: 1-15 September 2012

An RTI application filed by the Association of Parents of Disappeared Persons (APDP) and International People’s Tribunal Kashmir (IPTK) led the state Police to disclose that there are 2,683 FIRs lodged about missing Kashmiris. Out of these, 492 were filed in Handwara alone while Kupwara and Trehgam came next with 396 and 326, respectively. The number is 527 up by what was revealed in an earlier investigation by the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC). Citing the discrepancy, the IPTK has filed a petition with the SHRC to order a re-investigation, with the J&K police providing information of FIRs from 17 more districts.  The revelation came after the J&K police’s criminal investigation had refused to give the information to the IPTK.

“(The) disclosure of information sought would be prejudicial to the maintenance of public peace and tranquillity as the anti-national elements may use the same for incitement...” the CID had said in its reply. The 2009 IPTK report mentions 62 graveyards investigated at Bandipora, Baramulla and Kupwara, from which 2700 unmarked mass graves containing 2943 bodies were documented.

Aaliya Khan

This article appeared in The Milli Gazette print issue of 1-15 September 2012 on page no. 10

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