Militants, civilians dealt on same yardstick: NC

Srinagar: The National Conference (NC) on Monday said it was “unfortunate” that militants and civilians were being dealt on the “same yardstick” and demanded immediate initiation of a reconciliatory process. NC general secretary Ali Mohammad Sagar said the Governor’s administration should make sure that non-lethal weapons like water cannons were used to quell the protests. “It is unfortunate and criminal that militants and protesters are being dealt on the same yardstick. Incidents like these will not help in bringing peace to the Valley. Such horrendous incidents will push the already aggravated and aggrieved people, especially youth, to the wall,” Sagar said, while addressing a party function in the city here. Referring to the recent killing of seven civilians during protests near a gunbattle site in Pulwama, he said, “I urge the Governor’s administration to initiate a probe and depute a fact-finding team at the place where the gory incident took place.” tns