rki.news | Altaf Hamid Rao
MIRPUR (AJK), Aug. 11: President of the Mirpur District Bar Association, Advocate Babar Ali Khan, has called for the immediate restoration of internet services in Mirpur, release of innocent detainees and greater safeguards for citizens during police and security operations.
Addressing a meeting of civil society representatives held under his chairmanship, he also demanded an end to the patrolling of armed personnel without uniforms at public places and called for magistrates to be present during police or security operations.
Representatives of traders, lawyers, civil society and local government attended the meeting.
Babar Ali Khan said the people of Mirpur had traditionally remained peaceful and law-abiding and urged all institutions to fulfil their responsibilities to protect citizens’ lives and property and maintain law and order.
He strongly condemned the incidents reported on Mian Muhammad Road on July 28 and called for an impartial and transparent investigation to establish the facts and identify those responsible.
He said he had earlier requested the administration to release people found innocent and welcomed the subsequent release of those cleared of involvement.
The Bar president said the presence of armed personnel without uniforms in public places was creating fear and anxiety among residents and called for the practice to be stopped.
He also demanded that a magistrate accompany police or security personnel during operations, in accordance with the law, to safeguard citizens’ fundamental rights and prevent untoward incidents.
Regarding the internet shutdown, he said the prolonged disruption was affecting education, businesses, banking, online services and communication, causing financial difficulties for residents and traders.
He urged the authorities to restore internet services without further delay, stressing that Mirpur is home to a large overseas Kashmiri community, particularly in the United Kingdom.
Babar Ali Khan called on the administration, political parties, traders, lawyers, civil society and citizens to work collectively to restore normalcy.
He said lasting peace required dialogue, mutual trust, respect for the rule of law and protection of citizens’ rights.
He reaffirmed that the people of Mirpur would continue contributing positively to peace, stability and the protection of fundamental rights.