Baramulla:
The old town Baramulla in the Valley that remains a stronghold of separatists, the Army has come in to engage the youth and stone-throwers in one-on-one conversations on issues and concerns.
It began within a week of this tweet by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah inviting suggestions on how to handle the situation in the volatile neighbourhood.
"Old Town Baramulla continues to be the only place where a few boys pelt stones on Friday afternoons. Any suggestions on how we should handle?"
The old town was a no-go for security forces during the five-month-long civilian unrest in Kashmir.
The jinx was broken only after Inspector General of Police S. M. Sahai visited last month to talk to stone throwers, yet sporadic incidents of stone-throwing continue.
"I am actually the first Corps commander who is visiting old town Baramulla. I have a deep emotional bond with this area. Within the limits of municipal of Baramulla, this remains an isolated area because this is where a lot of law and order problems have taken place," said S. A. Hasnain, General Officer Commanding, 15 Corps.
However, the interface comes at a time when Army is drawing flak for killing a youth in Handwara a few days ago.
One of the stone throwers said, "We assured the IGP and DIG that we will not resort to stone-pelting. But cases against us have not been withdrawn. We also have requested that two-three of our associates who are lodged in jail be released."
"We are with you and you are with us. But give relief to the people,"added another one.
It began within a week of this tweet by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah inviting suggestions on how to handle the situation in the volatile neighbourhood.
"Old Town Baramulla continues to be the only place where a few boys pelt stones on Friday afternoons. Any suggestions on how we should handle?"
The old town was a no-go for security forces during the five-month-long civilian unrest in Kashmir.
The jinx was broken only after Inspector General of Police S. M. Sahai visited last month to talk to stone throwers, yet sporadic incidents of stone-throwing continue.
"I am actually the first Corps commander who is visiting old town Baramulla. I have a deep emotional bond with this area. Within the limits of municipal of Baramulla, this remains an isolated area because this is where a lot of law and order problems have taken place," said S. A. Hasnain, General Officer Commanding, 15 Corps.
However, the interface comes at a time when Army is drawing flak for killing a youth in Handwara a few days ago.
One of the stone throwers said, "We assured the IGP and DIG that we will not resort to stone-pelting. But cases against us have not been withdrawn. We also have requested that two-three of our associates who are lodged in jail be released."
"We are with you and you are with us. But give relief to the people,"added another one.
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