Kashmir remains on edge with 21 dead and 200 injured; toll likely to rise

SRINAGAR: At least 21 people were killed and more than 200 injured in Kashmir as those protesting against the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani continued to fight with police and paramilitary forces, police sources said. Authorities have imposed curfew across the Valley.

The Amarnath pilgrimage is suspended and tourists, who had flooded to Kashmir this year, are moving out in hordes. The J&K government has made arrangements of extra flights to facilitate their quick transportation out of Kashmir.

The death toll is likely to increase as all four prominent government hospitals in Srinagar are treating scores of people with critical injuries, police and hospital sources said. According to police, the situation has improved.


“The situation in the valley is under control though incidents of arson and mob attacks were reported,” a handout read.


Protesters at several places attacked police posts and CRPF camps with stones, while unidentified gunmen lobbed grenades at two places on government forces in south Kashmir, police sources said.
A policeman was killed when protesters pushed his vehicle into the Jhelum River near Sangam, they said.

Meanwhile, the state government asked political parties to help bring peace.

“We also want support of Hurriyat leaders,” J&K education minister spokesperson Naem Akhtar said.