Tension continues to prevail in Kashmir Valley

SRINAGAR - The situation in the Kashmir Valley continues to be tense, even as an indefinite curfew is on in all major towns across the Valley for fifth consecutive day.

Schools, shops and business establishments remain shut and security personnel have restricted the movement of people

Despite the imposition of curfew, there were clashes at many places on Monday. Police had to resort to firing at several places as protestors indulged in stone pelting and damage government properties.

In a late evening incident, Kulgam police opened fire on protestors, killing a youth and injuring three others.

Earlier, five persons were killed, one each in Kakapura, Sangam, Chawalgam, Bigbehara and Karalpura Kupwara.

On Monday, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and senior members of his Cabinet in Delhi to discuss the prevailing situation in the Kashmir Valley.

Addressing a press conference later, Abdullah said there was a need for a political package rather than economic package from Centre to restore normalcy in the State.

“We need to break the cycle of violence. For any initiative to work, there has to be peace first. The curfew must be adhered to in all circumstances. “The problem is inherently political. Political initiative has to include amending armed forces act,” he added

Referring to protests that have led to clashes with security forces, he said that efforts were made not to resort to force.

“Our government doesn’t want to resort to the use of force but when people come out to take law in their own hands, there are consequences,” he said.

He appealed to the people of the state to stop “lawlessness” and to allow the government to take steps to restore normalcy.

Twenty two people have been killed and over 500 injured, including 200 security force personnel, in violence since last Friday. (ANI)