Kashmir remain tense; toll rises to 35

The situation in Kashmir continues to remain on edge as one person was killed in firing on Wednesday evening and two more died of injuries, taking the toll to 35.

The chances of an early return to normalcy dissipated as separatists extended the strike call for two more days. Most of the violence-hit areas remained under curfew for the fifth straight day on Wednesday.

Reports said the protesters defied restrictions and fought pitched battles with police and paramilitary forces, throughout the valley. The cops fired teargas and peppergas shells to disperse the youth who hurled stones on them. Clashes and stone pelting continued in different areas.



Stray and intermittent incidents of stone pelting continued throughout the day, as protesters blocked many important roads by burning tyres.

A police spokesperson claimed that the situation remained by and large peaceful. “Protesters attacked the police and paramilitary camps at several places. However, the forces maintained the maximum restraint and there was no incident of casualty from anywhere,” he said.

Since violence followed the death of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani on Friday evening, the number of injured, according to official sources, crossed 1,500, and of these over 300 are being treated at Srinagar hospitals.