We, members of civil society from various parts of India and Jammu and Kashmir,

Convinced of the indivisibility of democracy, peace, justice and human rights in Jammu and Kashmir (hereafter, J&K);

Deeply concerned at the trauma and turmoil experienced by the people of J&K, particularly over the last eleven years;

Conscious of the suffering of the civilians, particularly women, children and the aged;

Recognising the virtual collapse of health and educational services in the State;

Distressed at the widespread unemployment;

Anguished at the attempts to create a divide between various communities in J&K;

Outraged at the misgovernance and rampant corruption in the State;

Saddened by the insensitivity demonstrated by major sections of India's media towards the plight of the people of J&K,

Demand immediate steps for the cessation of all forms of violence and repression, including the withdrawal of security forces to the barracks and reciprocal measures by militants:

Seek an immediate release of all Kashmiris detained under TADA, NSA, PSA, Armed Forces Special Powers Act and all other draconian legislations, and a repeal of all such laws and guarantee civil and political rights;

Appeal to the civil society of India and Kashmir for providing immediate relief to all victims of violence in J&K, especially women and children;

Urge the government to take immediate steps for the restoration of health and educational facilities and the economic resuscitation of the State;

Reiterate the need for the revival and strengthening of the age-old traditions of tolerance, pluralism and communal amity that have flourished in J&K;

Condemn the apathy of the Central and State Governments to corruption and misgovernance in the State;

Appeal to the media to report truthfully to the Indian people the situation prevailing in J&K;

Oppose division of J&K along religious, sectarian or regional lines;

Demand an immediate and unconditional tripartite dialogue for a resolution of the Kashmir issue, in consonance with the wishes of the people, to ensure sustainable peace, democracy and justice in J&K. (Source: The Mainstream)