India: Repeal shoot on sight orders

14.08.08 - 05:55 ... source : Amnesty International

... 13 August 2008 The government of the Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir should rescind the order issued today to authorize security forces to "shoot on sight" in response to communal clashes in the town of Kishtwar, Doda district, Amnesty International said. Kishtwar witnessed violent clashes between Hindus and Muslims on 12 August, where at least two people were killed as a result of alleged police firing. It is one of several towns in the state currently under curfew in the wake of protests that have left at least 28 people dead. "Shoot on sight orders are a clear violation of the right to life and of international standards of law enforcement," said Sam Zarifi, Amnesty International's Asia-Pacific Director. "The volatility of the situation in Jammu & Kashmir requires more sensitivity from the authorities, not a shoot on sight order." Since the state government announced a proposal to transfer forest land from the state to the Amarnath ...» Next (HTML)