Kashmir violence: Toll climbs to 23, clashes spread outside southern area

Hours after Burhan Wani's death, the Pakistan Cricket Board passed a resolution mourning the death of the 21-year-old 'martyr'

The toll from the violence in Kashmir valley has climbed to 23, reported the Times of India on Monday. 

Earlier reports had put the figure at 21, even as curfew-like restrictions were in place and mobile internet services remained suspended. 

The violence, which broke out over the death of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani at the hands of security forces, also claimed a policeman's life. According to the ToI report, the police personnel, Afroz Ahmed, was killed when a "mob heaved a police vehicle into the Jhelum near Sangam".

This follows another incident, where according to official sources, a head constable of police was shot in both legs by militants on Saturday night at his residence in Tral area of Pulwama district.

Further, the three policemen, who went missing after a large mob attacked a police station in Damhal Hanjipora on Saturday, were still untraceable as on Sunday, said state Education Minister Naeem Akhtar, who is the government spokesman.

No longer confined to south Kashmir

Citing the police, the ToI report said that the violence was no longer confined to Tral in south Kashmir, or to Budgam district and Siobug village — home of Hizbul chief Syed Salahuddin. 

Stating that protesters had burned down a police station in Siobug, the report added that the police has said that the violence has spread to north Kashmir.

Citing the police, The Indian Express reported that clashes between protesters and forces took place in Pulwama, Shopian, Lassipora, Rajpora, Litter, Pampore, Damhal, Sangam, Zainpoea, Qaimoh, Yaripoea, Bijbehara, Vailoo, Sopore, Baramulla, Kupwara, Tarzoo and various other locations across the state.   

The report added that a 21-year-old man, Shabir Ahmad, was shot dead in Srinagar, making him the first civilian casualty outside south Kashmir.

Pakistan gets involved

On Sunday, even as violent clashes took place in Kashmir, Pakistan accused India of committing human rights violations in the Indian state. 

Pakistan added that the resolution of the conflict in Kashmir was only possible be realising the right to "self determination" of the people there.

Hours after Wani's death, the Pakistan Cricket Board passed a resolution mourning the death of the 21-year-old “martyr”. 

Further, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister M Venkaiah Naidu on Sunday accused Pakistan of influencing sympathisers of Wani, and accused it of trying to create disturbances.