Activists' march meant to integrate separatists

Jammu: Expressing concern over the 10-day long march for revocation of AFSPA from disturbed areas, Panun Kashmir today alleged that the movement smacks of an intent to integrate the separatist movement in J-K with those elsewhere in the country, particularly the Northeast.

"The recent march from Kashmir to Manipur, for the revocation of AFPSA, seems to be only a brazen expression of the intent to integrate the separatist movement in Jammu and Kashmir with the separatist movements elsewhere in India particularly the Northeast," Panun Kashmir chairman Ajay Chrangoo told reporters here.


"At a time when China is increasing its military presence in PoK and encouraging Pakistan against India, the Centre seems to be sleeping over the deepening nexus among J-K separatists, Maoists and insurgent groups in Northeast," he said.

"This combination is dangerous and government should look into it rather than sleep over when marches for revocation of AFSPA are being held," he said.

Led by noted social activist Medha Patkar and Magsaysay awardee Sandeep Pandey, around 25 activists from across the country have started the march from October 16 from the Hazratbal shrine to express solidarity with rights activist Irom Sharmila on her cause for revocation of AFSPA. The march would pass through 10 states and is scheduled to reach Imphal on October 27.

PTI