Protests had started in Kashmir after terrorist Burhan Wani was killed by security forces. (AFP Photo)
Highlights
- 21 die in clashes in Kashmir after terrorist Burhan Wani's killing
- Home Minister Rajnath Singh holds meeting to review situation
- Hizbul's Burhan Wani, 22, had become the face of new militancy in Kashmir
With the number of deaths in Kashmir clashes climbing to 21 over the weekend, the Jammu and Kashmir government has appealed to the separatists to help restore peace. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh reviewed the situation in the Valley, where protesters clashed with security forces after Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani was killed on Friday.
Here are 10 latest updates in this story:
"We appeal to the separatists, parents of kids pelting stones to help bring peace.... condemn civilian deaths," said the Mehbooba Mufti government's chief spokesperson Nayeem Akhtar.
Separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani asked the people to not to attack police stations and maintain communal harmony.
A policeman died after a mob threw his car into the Jhelum river in South Kashmir's Tenpura this evening.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh has spoken to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and assured of Central assistance to deal with the situation.
"We are really surprised that some people are trying to support those so-called protesters who are sympathising with the terrorists," said Union minister Venkaiah Naidu. "He (Burhan Wani) is a Hizbul commander. How can any Indian have sympathy for such people? The government will not tolerate any such activity."
Over the weekend, four police stations were set on fire across Kashmir and 40 government offices were attacked. So far, 21 people have died in the firing and around 300 people have been injured. More than 90 of the injured man are security personnel.
Despite restrictions, a large number of people had gathered in Tral for Burhan Wani's funeral on Saturday. Wani was killed in an intelligence-led police operation along with two other terrorists on Friday afternoon. The police said he was planning a terror strike.
The 22-year-old had become the face of new militancy in Kashmir, representing the disturbing profile of young, educated local boys taking up arms. He featured in videos circulated on Facebook and WhatsApp aimed at recruiting young Kashmiri men for terror.
As unrest spread following Burhan Wani's death, mobile internet services were blocked across the Valley, school board exams were postponed, train services were suspended and the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway was closed.
Around 5,000 pilgrims have been stranded as Amarnath Yatra remains suspended. Curfew is in place in all 10 districts of the Kashmir Valley.
Post a comment