Fresh violence in Kashmir Valley, 1 killed

Farooq Ahmad was killed when the personal security officer (PSO) of Ramban ADC (additional deputy commissioner) Babu Ram opened fire on a group of people, taking the death toll in the ongoing unrest in Kashmir to 52.

“A vehicle of ADC Ramban Babu Ram was passing through the area and people—presuming it to be belonging to the forces personnel—tried to stop it,” witnesses said.

They said policemen escorting the ADC opened fire, causing death of a protester and critical injuries to two others.

The incident triggered massive protests in the area and an angry mob torched the officer’s vehicle.

Since July 8, Kashmir is on edge after the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani and two other militants in an encounter in south Kashmir’s Kokernag area. The incident triggered widespread protests across the Valley, leading to a curfew and restrictions in many parts of the state.

Assault rifles and shotguns by security forces in response to stone pelting by protesters has left over 5,000 injured.

Meanwhile, in the first such attack on a ruling PDP leader, two petrol bombs were thrown at the house of senior PDP leader and Education Minister Naeem Akhter in Civil Lines here on Monday night, causing minor damage to the house.

Jammu and Kashmir police in a handout said, “areas falling under five police stations of downtown Srinagar and Anantnag town of south Kashmir continued to reel under the curfew on day 25 of the prevailing unrest today. Restrictions continued to be enforced in other areas of the Valley,” handout added.

(Reporting by Saleem Iqbal Qadri)