Kashmir still on edge, 6 more killed in violence

Mobile internet services across Kashmir remained suspended for the second day while mobile telephony services were cut in south Kashmir areas

Kashmir continued to be on the boil with six more people, including a policeman, getting killed in violence on Sunday, raising the death toll to 21. Curfew-like restrictions were in force and mobile internet services remained suspended.

The Amarnath Yatra also remained suspended for the second day from Jammu because of the unrest in which over 200 people, including 96 security personnel, have been injured. However, the yatra from the base camps in Kashmir continued.

The Jammu and Kashmir government, headed by Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, expressed anguish over the situation and the death of civilians in clashes with security forces in the aftermath of the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani.

The government promised to investigate if there was any instance of disproportionate use of force by security forces even as it appealed to the people not to become tools in the machinations of instigators of violence.

The Cabinet also appealed to separatists, including Hurriyat Conference, as well as mainstream political parties like National Conference, Congress and Communist Party of India (Marxist) to help restore normalcy.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh reviewed the situation and spoke to Mehbooba Mufti, assuring her of all possible help. The state police also urged protesters not to resort to violence.

However, violence was reported from a number of places. One person was killed Sunday evening in reported firing by security forces in Tengpora in Srinagar, marking the first death in the state capital.

A police driver, Feroz Ahmad, was killed after a mob pushed his mobile bunker vehicle into river Jhelum in Anantnag district, the official said.

In another incident, a head constable of police was shot in both legs by militants last night at his residence in Tral area of Pulwama district, the official said. Three policemen, who went missing after a large mob attacked a police station in Damhal Hanjipora on Saturday, are still untraceable, said state Education Minister Naeem Akhtar, who is the government spokesman.

The separatist-sponsored strike, extended for two more days on Saturday, affected normal life in Kashmir. Sources said public transport was completely off the roads, while cars and autorickshaws were seen plying at few places where there were no restrictions.

The Chief Minister, while appealing for calm, has urged the Centre to reach out to the people of the state. “The pain of Kashmiris has reached a level where the hope of peace is sure to gain substantial local support if tangible confidence building measures are taken to address the issues concerning the state and its people,” she said.

“They now want peace and stability to take roots, and even within the prevailing circumstances there lies an opportunity to consolidate the peace efforts, if substantial steps are taken in the right direction to positively impact the ground situation,” she said.