Kashmir on edge after young man's killing; Colonel named in FIR

Despite restrictions imposed by the state government, stone pelting and clashes were reported from many parts of the Valley. Most clashes took place in downtown Srinagar.

The protesters were condemning the killing of 24-year-old Tahir Ahmed Sofi who was killed in North Kashmir's Baramulla town, allegedly by the army, during protests on Tuesday evening. A large crowd had gathered to protest against army officers ransacking their homes and attacking vehicles. The army says it fired in the air.  

The police have, in a First Information Report, accused the troops, and their commander, Colonel Dalbinder Singh of the 46 Rashtriya Rifles of killing the young man, whose funeral was held last night.  

The Army has denied the charges. It has issued three statements which show discrepancies.  First, the army said it acted in self-defense.  Then, a second statement denied any involvement in the young man's death. A third expressed regret over the killing and said a time-bound investigation will be conducted.

Thousands of people gathered in Baramulla yesterday and attacked the office of the District Magistrate, demanding action against those involved in the killing of the youth, according to news agency IANS.

Internet services have also been suspended in the Valley to prevent violence and the sharing of misinformation.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah broke down in the state legislative assembly last evening when the opposition People's Democratic Party (PDP) walked out in protest over the killing of the young man. The PDP staged a walk-out again today after a heated discussion.

Yesterday, Mr Abdullah also reiterated his demand for the partial revocation of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) that gives blanket immunity to the army and the paramilitary forces deployed to fight militancy in areas declared "disturbed" under the act.

The chief minister later dispelled rumours that he had decided to resign over the issue.  He tweeted that if stepping down as chief minister could bring a man back to life, he would resign in a flash.

Former deputy chief minister and PDP leader Muzaffar Hussain Baig submitted his resignation to the speaker today and said, "If the chief minister is helpless in his efforts to get AFSPA removed from Jammu and Kashmir, I hereby submit my resignation to the speaker. As and when Omar Abdullah resigns on the issue, my resignation, too, may be accepted."