Police firing in Kashmir: Two killed & 76 injured
Two persons were killed and over 76 injured in police firing in Kashmir on Wednesday, the third consecutive day of protest against the J&K government’s decision to transfer forest land to Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB)
By ET Bureau |
SRINAGAR: Two persons were killed and over 76 injured in police firing in Kashmir on Wednesday, the third consecutive day of protest against the J&K government���s decision to transfer forest land to Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB)
With one killed on Tuesday, the death toll stands at three and list of injured at 350. The pilgrimage to the cave shrine was suspended as tourists fled the Valley. Most government offices, business establishments and schools in Srinagar were forced to shut down, while protests spread to other parts of the state.
Although many separatist leaders are under house arrest and police made preventive arrests of youth, the situation is not yet under control. Roads in Srinagar are littered with bricks, burnt tyres and teargas shells. Even posh localities that usually keep away from protests, people were seen taking to the roads. National Conference president Omar Abdullah said that it looks like the situation was back to the 90s. ���If people are against land transfer or the shrine board, I do not know but it is a grim situation,��� he said.
Meanwhile, chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad announced ban on any construction on 39.88 hectares. He said an all-party meeting would be called to discuss the larger issue, for which he would welcome separatists if they wish to attend it. Though there are no permanent structures on ground, he insisted, no construction would be permitted without consensus.
However, the coalition government is gradually heading towards a crisis as the two partners are working in different directions. The PDP has almost rejected Mr Azad���s all-party meeting to discuss the crisis and find a way out.
Mufti Sayeed of the PDP, which is being blamed for the decision to transfer the land, said: ���It was not a solo decision of the PDP. In my tenure, I did not permit this but the fact is that it was a government decision. Since it has been rejected by the people, we must honour the people���s wishes and revoke the order,��� the Mufti said adding, ���All Party meeting is of no use. It should have been called well before the cabinet approved it.���
Insiders in the government suggest that the crisis is heading towards a situation in which PDP will have no option but to pull out. The chief minister, well aware of the consequences, has already started working to ensure that he manages to be at the helm as head of a minority government till elections are conducted.
With one killed on Tuesday, the death toll stands at three and list of injured at 350. The pilgrimage to the cave shrine was suspended as tourists fled the Valley. Most government offices, business establishments and schools in Srinagar were forced to shut down, while protests spread to other parts of the state.
Although many separatist leaders are under house arrest and police made preventive arrests of youth, the situation is not yet under control. Roads in Srinagar are littered with bricks, burnt tyres and teargas shells. Even posh localities that usually keep away from protests, people were seen taking to the roads. National Conference president Omar Abdullah said that it looks like the situation was back to the 90s. ���If people are against land transfer or the shrine board, I do not know but it is a grim situation,��� he said.
Meanwhile, chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad announced ban on any construction on 39.88 hectares. He said an all-party meeting would be called to discuss the larger issue, for which he would welcome separatists if they wish to attend it. Though there are no permanent structures on ground, he insisted, no construction would be permitted without consensus.
However, the coalition government is gradually heading towards a crisis as the two partners are working in different directions. The PDP has almost rejected Mr Azad���s all-party meeting to discuss the crisis and find a way out.
Mufti Sayeed of the PDP, which is being blamed for the decision to transfer the land, said: ���It was not a solo decision of the PDP. In my tenure, I did not permit this but the fact is that it was a government decision. Since it has been rejected by the people, we must honour the people���s wishes and revoke the order,��� the Mufti said adding, ���All Party meeting is of no use. It should have been called well before the cabinet approved it.���
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Mr N N Vohra, who was administered oath of office of governor on Wednesday afternoon kept his cards very close to his chest. ���Forget the past, look towards future,��� he said not revealing anything on the issue. Interestingly, SASB CEO Arun Kumar functioned as the principal secretary to the governor in full media glare. Mr Kumar whose provocative statements on pilgrimage related issues added fuel to fire and led to the massive crisis, was termed a ���disgrace��� by the deputy chief minister. Despite the fact that he is facing a criminal case, an administrative inquiry and a privilege motion, the government permitted him to shadow Srinagar Raj Bhawan���s new incumbent.Insiders in the government suggest that the crisis is heading towards a situation in which PDP will have no option but to pull out. The chief minister, well aware of the consequences, has already started working to ensure that he manages to be at the helm as head of a minority government till elections are conducted.
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