Kashmir’s Handwara under curfew after third death in Army firing

Hindustan Times | By, Srinagar
Apr 13, 2016 02:06 PM IST

Authorities imposed a curfew Handwara and restrictions in parts of Srinagar after separatists called for a shutdown of Kashmir Valley on Wednesday to protest the army firing that killed three people.

Authorities imposed a curfew in Handwara and restrictions in parts of Srinagar after separatists called for a shutdown of Kashmir Valley on Wednesday to protest the army firing that killed three people.

A paramilitary soldier stands guard during the curfew restrictions in downtown Srinagar.(Waseem Andrabi/HT Photo)
A paramilitary soldier stands guard during the curfew restrictions in downtown Srinagar.(Waseem Andrabi/HT Photo)

Two youths were killed on Tuesday when the army opened fire in Handwara, about 85 kms from Srinagar, to disperse a stone-pelting mob protesting the alleged molestation of a girl by army personnel. A third person, a 50-year-old woman who was fatally injured in the incident, succumbed to injuries on Wednesday.

Read more| J-K army firing: Woman succumbs to injuries, toll goes up to 3

Read more| Budding cricketer among two killed in Army firing in Kashmir’s Handwara

The killings triggered protests in Handwara town, Srinagar and Pulwama districts of Kashmir. Restrictions were imposed in six police station areas in the capital city of Srinagar on Wednesday.

The District Magistrate Srinagar, Farooq Ahmad Lone however said members of the Sikh community were free to move about these areas in view of the Sikh festival of Baisakhi.

Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti said she had spoken to the defence ministry regarding the matter, and announced a compensation for families of the deceased. “I was assured an inquiry will be conducted... I was also assured that those responsible will be punished,” she said, according to ANI.

The army ordered a probe into the firing, while Mehbooba told security forces to exercise maximum restraint and adhere to the Standing Operating Procedure (SOP) in dealing with public protests as incidents of innocent killings cannot be tolerated.

Read more | Kashmir firing: Army orders probe as CM Mehbooba demands strict action

The National Conference (NC), Congress and CPI(M) had on Tuesday demanded action against those involved without delay. NC president Farooq Abdullah and working president Omar Abdullah said the onus was on chief minister Mehbooba to ensure the guilty were brought to book without any delay.

CPI(M) MLA from Kulgam Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami also demanded a time-bound judicial probe into the incident.

“The alleged incident of molestation of a girl and subsequent killing of two youth in firing during protests is highly condemnable and heinous act which cannot be tolerated in any civilised society,” Tarigami said.

With agency inputs

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Arvind Kejriwal Arrest Live Updates along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
×
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
My Offers
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Saturday, March 23, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Register Free and get Exciting Deals