Srinagar
A committee on estimates headed by ruling Peoples’ Democratic Party MLA Mohammad Ashraf Mir also called for the erection of more bunkers in Islamabad District being the “volatile area”.
The committee also called withdrawal of facilities and security to “342 uncategorized protected persons having no political background.” “The withdrawal of security to (these) uncategorized protected persons– anti-social elements, high profile businessmen who do not have any political affiliation will lessen the burden on state exchequer from Rs 5 crores to 2-3 crores.”
According to a report, presented during a just-concluded budget session of the state assembly, the committee has also called for using wax against protesters and discontinuing of pellets as for they contain harmful elements like lead. The committee suggested the use of wax for controlling the mob during violent protests as was being used in different countries, says the report.
The government recently said 6,221 people suffered pellet-gun injuries during the unrest in Kashmir after the killing of popular Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in July 2016.
Replying to a question in the just concluded Legislative Council, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said 1,084 pellet-gun injuries were reported in Baramulla district, followed by 1,041 in Pulwama, 1,031 in Kulgam, 888 in Kupwara, 873 in Islamabad, 808 in Shopian, 183 in Bandipora, 167 in Budgam, 110 in Srinagar and 36 in Ganderbal district.
She said 9,042 people were injured in the firing of bullets, pellets, pava-shells, and others during the period.
Of these, 6,221 were injured due to pellets, 368 due to bullets, four due to pava shells and 2,449 suffered other injuries, she said.
As many as 782 suffered injuries in the eyes, of which 510 were hospitalised, Mufti said, adding 5,197 cases of pellet injuries were treated at district hospitals and the rest were referred to super specialty hospitals.(GNS)
