Man arrested after Kashmir intercept asking for more deaths

Srinagar: The man who has allegedly been recorded in a phone conversation asking for more people to be martyred in Kashmir has been arrested by the Jammu and Kashmir police.

NDTV reported on Thursday evening that Home Ministry sources have intercepted phone conversations between different leaders which suggest that some of the violence in the Valley is being instigated and provoked. In one such conversation, allegedly between Ghulam Mohammed Dar and Shabir Wani, there is a reference to a protest rally in Budgam near Srinagar on July 7. The two men talk of money being exchanged. The phone transcript established Wani saying "There must be more deaths...10-15 more people must be martyred." (Read: Is some of the Kashmir violence planned and instigated?)

Sources in the government are clear that while those instigating violence may be arrested, there is recognition of genuine protests and anger that will have to be tackled politically.

Curfew is currently being strictly enforced in Srinagar. At the request of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the Army has returned to the city after 15 years after a new spate of violence over the last month which saw several civilians, including a teenager headed home after a tuition class, killed in clashes between protesters and security forces. Earlier this week, a 25-year-old woman standing at her window, watching the chaos unfold on the streets in one of those protests, was shot by a stray bullet.

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The Army is being used on the periphery of Srinagar with the Centre stating that its role is to act as a "deterrent."

The situation in Kashmir is being carefully monitored by the Union government. Home Secretary GK Pillai has visited Srinagar and said the situation is under control, and that the next few days will be crucial in the city's and government's attempt to find peace. (Read: More paramilitary forces for J&K, says GK Pillai)

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