Centre sees Lashkar hand in Kashmir violence

A day after the J&K government finally started to enforce the curfew imposed in the Valley, Union Home Minister P Chidambaram linked the violent protests over the deaths of local youth in troop firing to the Lashkar-e-Tayyeba. HT reports. Listen to podcast | What's happening in Kashmir?

A day after the J&K government finally started to enforce the curfew imposed in the Valley, Union Home Minister P Chidambaram linked the violent protests over the deaths of local youth in troop firing to the Lashkar-e-Tayyeba.

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The terrorist group is active in fomenting trouble in the north Kashmir town of Sopore and nearby areas, he said, adding that these very areas have been hit hardest by the street protests.

His comments came after a meeting by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to review the situation in the state on a day of "relative peace".

Eleven civilians died and 53 security personnel were injured in protests over three weeks. In the last three days alone, six youth were killed in firing.

"I am confident the state government will be able to restore the situation in the next few days," Chidambaram said.

On Tuesday, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Chidambaram had sent out a clear message to security forces that they were to act with restraint but also to enforce the curfew.

The home minister also said the CM and other ministers have been asked to visit the disturbed areas so there is some political action.