140 held, 96 cases registered during unrest in Kashmir: Government

NEW DELHI: A total of 140 people have been arrested while 96 cases were registered in connection with the burning of government properties and schools during the recent unrest period in the Kashmir, the government told Parliament today.

"During the civil unrest between July 8, 2016-November 8, 2016, 39 government establishments have been burnt and 39 government establishments have been damaged apart from schools," Minister of State for Home Hansraj Ahir said in a written reply in Rajya Sabha.

"96 cases have been registered and 140 people have been arrested till November 28," he said while replying to a question on what action has been taken on those involved in burning government properties and schools.

In order to bring normalcy in the Kashmir Valley, he said, after the "civil unrest since July 8, 2016, the Prime Minister and the Home Minister have regularly reviewed the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

"The Prime Minister held an all-party meeting in Delhi and the Home Minister has visited Srinagar two times and met the Governor and Chief Minister apart from all the political parties, various organisations and associations as well as the senior officials," he said.

Ahir said that the Home Minister also "led an all-party delegation on September 4-5 to Srinagar and Jammu and met the Governor, CM and various cross-section of people of the state including all the political parties, various organisations and associations as well as the senior officials."

"Distribution of essential commodities like food grains, sugar, milk, fruits, vegetables, LPG, kerosene, petrol among others was ensured to meet the needs of public at large.

"Sufficient stock of essential commodities was maintained in the Valley. Availability of doctors, medicines, ambulances, blood banks was also maintained round the clock. A team of doctors from AIIMS was also sent. The regular medical services were continued unabated," Ahir said.

Additional companies of Central Armed Police Forces were also deployed to support the state police, he said in the reply.