Srinagar:
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today condemned the death of shopkeeper Tariq Ahmed Bhat, who succumbed to injuries inflicted upon him by some people who were forcing him to close his shop in Nowhatta area of Srinagar during a strike.
Mr Abdullah said his government will not tolerate the killing of innocent Kashmiris.
Questioning the silence of the separatist leaders over the incident, he said if such an incident would have happened at the hands of the security forces, the separatists would have mobilised wide-spread protests in the valley,
He asked the separatists to apologise for vitiating the atmosphere leading to the killing of people in the valley.
Mr Abdullah, who is on three-day tour of Doda and Kishtwar districts, described the act as inhuman and barbarian. The chief minister conveyed his heartfelt condolence to the family of the youth.
"It is most unfortunate that the precious life of a young peaceful person has been snatched as he disagreed to shut down his shop," he said expressing solidarity with the bereaved family.
(With inputs from PTI)