Jammu & Kashmir unrest continues as death toll rises to 42

SRINAGAR: Unrest in Kashmir continues on the seventh day, as killing of another civilian on Friday raised death toll to 42, while more than 2000 were injured as curfew and communication blockade remains imposed across the Valley.

Two policemen were also killed, while four others were injured in a militant attack in Yari pora area of south Kashmir, when a grenade was lobbed at a police party.

The attack, police claim was followed by firing and stone pelting incident.

In Kupwara area of north Kashmir, a teenage boy was killed during the firing over protestors after Friday prayers.

Pro-freedom leaders, Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwiaz Umer and Yasin Malik, have extended strike call till July 18, and asked people to observe Black Day on July 19, in solidarity with Pakistan’s announcement.

Protests across Kashmir, in wake of the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani, are refusing to die down. In order to control flow of information and put a stop on rumors government has blocked internet and mobile phone service across Kashmir.

The continued restrictions have also triggered crisis of essential commodities, including life saving drugs, especially in south Kashmir.

Protest marches were also taken out in Doda and Kishtwar area of Chenab Valley.

The government forces, police officials claim, were not using ‘disproportionate use of force to quell protests and stressed there was no ‘ambiguity on enforcement of rule of law.’