After a continuous violent clash between security forces and protesters amidst curfew in which more than 20 people have been killed since Monday a three hours relaxation in curfew has been allowed in the state today to allow people buy essential household items. The relaxation which was given from 8 am to 11 am could be extended further if the authorities find situation peaceful.
The relaxation in curfew has not been allowed in Kishtwar in the Jammu region, which was imposed after the communal violence took toll of two people. Army was called in Kishtwar yesterday which staged flag march in all sensitive areas. Rapid Action Force was also deployed there from Jammu. Situation in Kishtwar is still tensed, but under control. Curfew has also been relaxed in Udhampur and Samba at different time intervals.
The Union Government has called an all-party meeting on Wednesday under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to seek the solution of explosive situation. Shivraj Patil led all-party delegation in the fourth meeting yesterday decided to include people belonging to various sections other than political arena from the battered state for the immediate resolution of the Kashmir crisis.
For the first time in 13 years the curfew has been imposed in all the 10 districts in the valley.
On Tuesday, fifteen more people were killed and 100 injured after the police and army opened fire on angry protesters which gathered on roads in 20 locations across the state. Thirteen of the deaths occurred alone in Kashmir valley when mob numbering in thousands poured into the streets to mourn the demise of Abdul Aziz, the separatist Hurriyat Conference leader who killed in security forces’ firing on Monday.
Two people were killed in Jammu where the situation went grim after turning into communal hue with the two communities saw themselves neck and neck in several towns torching each other’s shops and houses.
Policemen found themselves helpless when the two separatist leaders Syed Ali Geelani and Mirwaiz Umer Farooq, both were house arrest, at the request of large crowds represented them and led processions to Aziz’s grave. The two separatist leaders including Yasin Malik and other leaders of Hurriyat Conference who attended the burial called people for maintaining peace. The body was laid to rest at Eidgah graveyard in Srinagar amid thousands of protesters yelling pro-freedom slogans.
People numbering thousands flooded on streets on Tuesday protesting against the Monday’s firing and killing of Hurriyat Conference leader. Mr. Aziz and four others were killed in security forces’ firing on Monday when trying to visit Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, in ‘Muzaffarabad Chalo’ march led by fruit growers and separatists and supported by some regional political parties. The march was called against the economic blockade enforced by SASS through Jammu highway. The highway, though, was made open by Sunday. The Centre has asked state administration to ensure the blockade not to be enforced again.
The anger in valley which was kicked off against the economic blockade, enforced by Jammu’s agitators under the banner of Sri Amarnath Sangharsh Samiti (SASS) protesting against the cancellation of transfer of 100 acres of forest land to the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board, appeared to be taking the shape of demand seeking separation from India. The pro-independence slogans raised yesterday at least signal the same.
Obstacle free Amarnath Yatra
Despite violence, protest and clash it is good for the country that no harm has been incurred upon any Amarnath yatri. The pilgrimage though had been suspended on Tuesday, not due to violent situation in valley, but owing to the rough weather in south Kashmir. Over 1000 pilgrims were staying in Jammu-based Yatri Bhawan base camp waiting for the good weather to take onward journey to the shrine.
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