Pak should ensure early release of rights activist: CPI(M) MLA

CPI(M) MLA Mohammed Yousuf Tarigami today expressed concern about the safety of Raza Mahmood Khan, a Pakistani rights activist who is suspected to be a victim of "enforced disappearance", and urged the Pakistani authorities to ensure his speedy release.
Raza was an active member of the civil society in Lahore and an activist of 'Aaghaz-e-Dosti' (Initiation of Friendship), an organisation that focuses on peace education, advocates dialogue and people-to-people contacts between India and Pakistan.
He has been missing since December 2 from Lahore, prompting human rights activists to term the incident a case of "enforced disappearance".
"The peace constituency in India and Pakistan is concerned about the safety and welfare of Raza Mahmood Khan. I urge the civil society of Pakistan to use its influence to persuade the Pakistani authorities to ensure safe and speedy release of Raza Khan," Tarigami, an MLA from Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam constituency, said here.

"People like Raza Khan, who work for Indo-Pak friendship and peace, are persons who need encouragement and protection from their respective governments in Pakistan and India," the senior CPM leader added, hoping that Raza will return soon.