Two Special Police Officers have resigned because of the unrest in Kashmir valley.
Two Special Police Officers on Tuesday announced their resignation after their houses were attacked by crowds in north Kashmir's Sopore area. SPO Waseem Ahmad Sheikh was seen shouting pro-Azadi slogans as he was surrounded by a crowd in Rafiabad area.
"I'm resigning because my house was attacked by people. I'm no more with the police. I have resigned. I'm the sole breadwinner of my family. I have decided to quit and I want tell the people that I have nothing to with police," said Mr Ahmad.
This is the first time when policemen have resigned because of the unrest in the valley. A Senior Police Officer said while the resignation was due to pressure, it is a worrying sign. SPOs are not regular cops. They are engaged on need to basis arrangement.
The resignations have come on a day when the Border Security Force or BSF was inducted to quell civilian unrest in the valley. So far, besides the army that's securing highways, Central Reserve Police Force or CRPF, Jammu and Kashmir police and Sashastra Seema Bal or SSB have been dealing with the unrest. 68 people have been killed and over 5000 are injured in the last 46 days of lockdown and curfew, due to clashes in the aftermath of the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Burhan Wani on July 8.
Although the police are trying to downplay the resignation of the SPOs, local cops say are facing immense pressure as the unrest prolongs in the valley. A large by number of policemen have been injured in stone pelting and houses of several cops were attacked by mobs.