Separatists have always backed terrorist groups: BJP's Hina Bhatt

Expressing grave concern over the present situation in Kashmir Valley post the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Muzaffar Wani, BJP leader Hina Bhatt today acknowledged the fact that the separatists always extend their support to terrorist groups.

The 39-year-old, who lost to PDP's Altaf Bukhari in the high profile Amirakadal constituency in the 2014 polls, told ANI one cannot deny the fact that the separatists have always backed the terrorist groups.

"The separatists issue a shutdown call on each and every issue. A call has now been issued to march towards Tral. The people here are extremely upset post his killing and I hope that this matter is handled peacefully," Bhatt said.

"As of now, the situation will be little tensed because of his killing. So, it is not good news as far as situation in Kashmir is concerned because the protests continue to take place one after another and innocent get killed," she added.

Meanwhile, curfew has been imposed in large parts of Srinagar city and several areas of south Kashmir amid tension after after the killing of Wani and his two associates in South Kashmir's Anantnag district.

Wani, who featured in videos circulated on Facebook and WhatsApp, aimed at recruiting young Kashmiri men for terror, was hunted down by the security forces in an intelligence-led operation last evening.

The concerned authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have taken several measures to maintain law and order.

The 21-year militant commander and his two associates were killed in an encounter in Kokernag area of the district.

Wani, the son of a headmaster and a school dropout, carried a reward of Rs. ten lakh on his head.

There have been reports of overnight clashes between the protesters and security forces in many parts of south Kashmir.

The mobile internet services have been blocked across the Valley.

The ongoing Amarnath Yatra has also been suspended temporarily to ensure that no untoward incident takes place.