Unrest in Kashmir continued as separatists extend their strike call and agitation till September 1. They also announced a new calendar for protests including a march to Srinagar-based Army headquarters on the weekend.
According to a statement they also called for a joint march to Eidgah in downtown Srinagar on Friday. Separatists asked people to lock down all routes to their localities and villages so that they can "protect" people in general and youth in particular from the raids and arrests by security forces and police.
Women were asked to occupy all chowks in their locality and stage peaceful protests on August 30. Everyone was asked to block roads near Doordarshan, Radio Kashmir (AIR) and Information Department to ensure that "no employee is allowed to enter the premises" on September 1.
"Lock down all government offices except essential services on August 29," it said and warned of "social boycott" of Divisional Commissioner, Deputy Commissioners and heads of all departments if they issue threats to the employees for reporting to duties.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh visited Kashmir on Wednesday as part of Centre’s outreach. This was his second visit in a month. He held talks with political leaders during which he was told the Centre should initiate a dialogue with all stakeholders to find a solution to problems faced by Jammu and Kashmir.
Rajnath Singh, who is on two day visit to the valley, drove through the tense city roads with tight security.
Singh arrived at Nehru Guest House along with Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi and other officials. He held a meeting with different wings of administration including security, health and maintenance of essential commodities for the people.
Official sources said “Singh asked head of para-military forces, dealing with the law and order situation, to exercise maximum restraint while dealing with protesters and also appreciated their efforts in maintaining law and order in the Valley. The Home Minister was conveyed that there has been improvement in situation on the ground, there is no scarcity of essential commodities and health services are functioning.”
Singh before leaving for Srinagar said “I shall interact with civil society groups, political parties and other stakeholders. Those who believe in Kashmiriyat, Insaniyat and Jamhooriyatare welcome.”
After the review meeting, the Home Minister had separate meetings with heads of para-military forces and state police chief. He understood their working conditions and also enquired whether there was an operational requirement.
Later, a delegation of opposition National Conference led by former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah met the Home Minister and urged him to immediately ban use of pellet guns as a crowd control means in Kashmir.
“They also demanded that Centre initiate a dialogue with all stakeholders in Jammu and Kashmir to find a lasting solution to the problems faced by the state,” sources said.
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BY M.DIVYA SRI
