Scores of protesters got injured in police action at langate township of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district on Sunday even as a semblance of peace laced with fear and uncertainty had prevailed in Kashmir valley during the day that marked the 30 days of turmoil that began after the August 8 killing of Hizbul Muhaideen commander Burhan Wani.
Sources said that around 90 people were injured in the police action when the security forces tried out to break evening protests in the area. At least 5 persons, injured with pellets, have been shifted to Srinagar for treatment. The day was marked with sporadic protest rallies, congregational prayers in deserted market places and cleanliness drives initiated at the separatists’ call. The authorities conducted the civil services examination though only 1,704 out of 5,912 candidates made it to the exam centers.
Officials said that curfew continued in Khanpora and Chadoora towns of central Kashmir’s Budgam district and Anantnag town in south Kashmir. The restrictions under Section 144 preventing assembly of more than four persons continued in other south Kashmir districts of Pulwama, Shopian and Kulgam besides north Kashmir’s Baramulla, Pattan, Sopore, Kupwara and Bandipora towns. The curfew like restrictions under Section 144 also continued in several parts of capital Srinagar and adjacent ganderbal town.
The normal life was paralysed across Valley on the 30th day of continued shutdown called by the separatists to protest against the civilian killings and grievous injuries to hundreds of civilian protesters. However, life returned partially to business hub lal Chowk area in line with the relaxation in shutdown by the separatists after 6 pm. as many shops reopened while light private and public transport plied in the evening hours.
During the month-long turmoil, 53 civilians have been killed, mostly in the age group of 18-35 years. The authorities maintain that most of the slain youth were part of anti-India protests. Two policemen have also been killed in attacks by the protesters. The local newspapers put the civilian death toll at 57.
Over 3,000 civilians and about 2,000 security personnel were injured in the clashes. More than 200 persons have sustained grievous pellet injuries in their eyes. Scores of grievously injured civilians with bullets, pellets and tear smoke shells are undergoing treatment at various hospitals.
Meanwhile, protests were held in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district against the mysterious death of a motorcyclist Bilal Ahmad Malik whose body was found on Sunday morning. Separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq alleged that Malik, a resident of Dafferpora village, who had left home Saturday evening on motorcycle carrying his relative, was killed by security forces in cold blood. Another youth in Srinagar Riyaz Ahmed Shah, an ATM guard was killed by pellets during late night hours last week.
People, particularly youth, came out in large groups in different areas of Srinagar, south and north Kashmir areas of Anantnag, Sopore, Pattan, Baramulla and elsewhere to carry out sanitation of their respective localities, hospitals and health centres. The incessant rains hampered the drive as many people were reported out to undertake the drive in many parts of south Kashmir. The separatists had called upon people to undertake sanitation and cleanliness drive in their respective localities, to compensate for the defunct municipal bodies because of the ongoing stir.
Sources said protest rallies were held at Noorpora, Warpora and Nowpora areas of Sopore in north Kahsmir and Chattabal and Rainawari areas of old Srinagar.A massive rally was also held in Nowgam area of uptown Srinagar.
Meanwhile, the mobile internet services continued to remain suspended in the entire Valley on 30th consecutive day while the outgoing facility on prepaid connections remained barred. On the 37th day of Amarnath Yatra, 101 Yatris paid obeisance at the Holy Cave. So far, about 2 lakh 18 thousand yatris have paid obeisance at the holy cave.
Meanwhile, an official spokesman said that barring two incidents of stone pelting where miscreants attacked security force deployments at Warpora and Nowpora in Sopore, the situation in the Valley remained peaceful.
The government spokesman said, “Since July 2016, 3329 personnel of JKP and CAPF have been injured while maintaining law and order in the Valley. Of these, many have suffered grievous injuries including multiple fractures. Besides, two personnel of JKP were killed during the violent protests in the Valley.”
The government statement added that “In all 1018 incidents of violence were reported during this period and 1030 FIRs stand registered in different police stations of the Valley. Twenty nine installations including police stations, police posts and other government establishments were set ablaze and 51 damaged by the protesters. More than 1000 accused have been arrested and bound down in different police stations of the Valley. “
The official spokesman did not mention the number of fatal civilian casualties.