Strict curfew and communication clampdown continue on 14th day Friday in Kashmir while one more injured youth succumbed at SKIMS Hospital after 10 days of treatment.
Ishfaq Ahmad, who was injured during the clashes at Hiller in Kokernag area of Anantnag district, succumbed to his injuries at Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical sciences here on Thursday night.
Ishfaq’s body was taken to his village on Friday morning and the last rites performed. With this the death toll in ongoing unrest has mounted to 49.
In view of the protests called by separatists after Friday congregational prayers, authorities have beefed up the security to thwart the protests, particularly in Srinagar’s old city and district headquarters.
The unrest continues for the 14th day today after the killing of Commander Burhan Wani by armed forces in Bumdoora village of Kokernag in Anantnag district on July 8.
Mobile phones and internet services remained suspended in Kashmir, however, only BSNL Broadband and post-paid services are being allowed to operate. Train services also remained suspended.
Top Hurriyat leaders including Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, JKLF chief Muhammad Yasin Malik on Wednesday extended the strike call up to July 25. Separatists have appealed the people to continue the shutdown till Monday.
Meanwhile, Supreme Court on Friday agreed to hear a plea seeking the imposition of Governor’s rule in Jammu and Kashmir, under a provision of the Jammu & Kashmir Constitution. The hearing will be held next week.
The plea was filed by J&K Panther’s Party in light of the protests and violence that have taken over the state since the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander, Burhan Wani.
Clashes between security forces and protesters have resulted in the death of several civilians and CRPF officers.
Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti called an all-party meet to discuss the unrest in the Valley and asked the Centre to ensure engagement of all stakeholders in Jammu and Kashmir for carrying forward the peace and reconciliation process in the state.
The issue also came up for discussion in both Houses of Parliament following which Home Minister Rajnath Singh said the security forces will exercise restraint when it comes to civilians but maintained that there will be no place for militancy.
The Home Minister also agreed to set-up a committee that will look into other non-lethal weapons as the use of pellets by security forces had caused serious and in some cases permanent injuries to civilians. Some of those who were injured were as young as four-years-old.
Curfew is still on in the Valley as it enters its fourteenth day of protest.
