Centre should have sent doctors, not troops, to Kashmir: CPI(M) MLA Tarigami

SRINAGAR: The central government should have dispatched doctors and medicines instead of more troops to Kashmir Valley in the wake of largescale violence which left 24 dead and over 350 injured, CPI(M) MLA Mohammed Yousuf Tarigami said today.

"The Prime Minister's appeal for peace to the people of Jammu and Kashmir after his return from abroad is welcome but instead of sending more troops, it would have been appropriate to dispatch doctors and medicines to treat the victims of brute violence," the Kulgam MLA said in a statement here.

He said Kashmiris were faced with a big human tragedy and "what is required is humane approach and concrete measures from authorities to stop unwarranted use of brutal force against unarmed protesters".

Tarigami said Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti's assurance to conduct inquiry cannot heal the wounds of the victims. "The minimum she is expected to do is stop the use of pellet guns, which has made a number of victims virtually blind," he said.

The CPI(M) leader said the Chief Minister must ensure adequate supply of medicines to the hospitals for the treatment of the injured.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, after chairing a high-level meeting on the situation in the Valley, appealed to the people of Jammu and Kashmir to maintain calm.

Violent protests triggered by the killing of Hizbul commander Burhan Wani have claimed 24 lives in the Valley. More than 350 persons, including over 115 security forces personnel, have been injured in the clashes.