KL NEWS NETWORK
SRINAGAR
Post militant commander Burhan Wani killing has invited strong reaction from mainland India as well across the border.
At least 40 civilians were killed when forces fire upon protestors in Kashmir region following mass outpouring of people since last Saturday morning. An SPO was killed when protestors pushed a moving police bunker in to a river in Islamabad district. Burhan Wani along with his two associates was killed by forces in Kokernag area of South Kashmir last Friday evening.
Condemning the killings in the violence-hit Kashmir Valley, students and right activists on Thursday took out a protest march demanding demilitarization in Kashmir.
Shouting slogans and carrying placards denouncing the “state sponsored terrorism” the protesters walked down College Street while members of right wing Hindu groups condemned the “anti-national” protest.
“Over 1,400 injured and 35 dead, within a week, stop hunting civilians, repeal AFSPA (Armed Forces (Special Powers) Acts),” read one of the placards.
Government forces have used live bullets and “non-lethal” pellet gun which resulted in the civilian killings. The pellet fires have left civilians, majorly youth, with lethal injuries. Almost 3500 have been injured including forces personnel.
Chanting “stand with Kashmir stop the killing” and “demilitarize Kashmir”, the protesters also carried placards bearing names of those killed during the unrest that has engulfed the Kashmir Valley following security forces gunning down militant commander Burhan Wani.
Reports from Pakistan’s Baluchistan said that long solidarity marches were held across the region. The people demanded intervention of international community to resolve Kashmir dispute.
On Wednesday, people from all walks of life assembled at Jantar Mantar Delhi and held sit-in protest against civilian killings in Kashmir. They denounced the use of bullets and pellets and demanded immediate end to their use.
On Thursday, scores of youths from Sikh community held protests in Punjab. They condemned the killings and held prayers for the slain youths.
Meanwhile, Kashmiris and their colleagues from various parts of world are sending pictures showing solidarity with their Kashmiris brethren based in valley.
The death toll on Thursday rose to 41 while normal life across the Valley remained crippled for the seventh day due to strict curfew and a separatist-called shutdown. Government snapped mobile internet only last Saturday while South Kashmir was snapped off mobile phone network since then.
However, coming down with a major curfew today, government snapped connection of all Kashmiri customers using private run mobile network services. Only BSNL is working, however, the broadband internet services too have been snapped at various places. Government is anticipating protests after congregational Friday prayers as separatists have asked people to hold funeral in absentia for the youth killed by forces.
