Kashmiri youth campaign against police bill on Facebook
By IANSFriday, February 18, 2011
JAMMU - The Jammu and Kashmir government’s reported move to introduce legislation replacing the old police act and apparently giving more powers to the state police is becoming a rallying point for the youth on social networking websites.
The government is likely to table the new legislation in the upcoming budget session of the assembly, media reports say.
Facebook users have started commenting on the proposed legislation, urging others to join the campaign against the bill that they fear would reduce the accountability of the state police.
Currently, the Jammu and Kashmir Police Act governs the state police. The details of the proposed bill are not known but it has evoked serious concern among the people.
Nadeem Qadri, a Facebook user, has expressed “shock” over the issue. He posted: “Shocked to hear about J&K Police Bill, 2011 will be introduced in coming assembly session.”
His worries arise from the fact that “no consultation had been made with the public at large”. While supporting Qadri, another user Musaib Sayeed said: “Well let’s then do something not only against the police bill but also against rest of the evils and other forces.”
Kashmiri youth are also using websites like Twitter and You Tube to vent their anger on various issues concerning the state. So much so that the youth are coming out on Twitter with their views and counterviews.
Among others, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is tweeting on an hourly basis.
