With protests sweeping across the turbulent region of Jammu and Kashmir, four districts have effectively seeped into a state of mobocracy as the absence of police forces made space for thousands of protesters to hold 'azadi' rallies every day. Reports state the Army and the CRPF stand guarding empty stations, from the raging locals.
One of the consequences of the escalating mob violence, cops have left their stations and sources said the police department has shut down "for the time being". A news report said that with the forces playing silent spectators, the crowds are taking over the streets, and vandalising government property. After violence ensued following the encounter death of Burhan Wani, on July 12, a mass of people attacked the Hanjipora police station in Kulgam district, north Kashmir, leaving with 70 semi-automatic and automatic rifles. They even took two Damhal Hanjipora policemen hostage.
While the two policemen were later released, the guns were never recovered. A police officer said, "We hope these weapons haven't fallen into wrong hands. Some local militants were seen carrying weapons in one of the 'azadi' rallies in Anantnag," a police officer said. He also said that sensitive documents and police wireless communication codes too were taken from the station. Dozens of youth have joined hands with the militants in Tral, said a senior police officer. He added that organised training camps are being run by top LeT and JeM commanders in the regions, proceeding to convert the men into jihadis. "Army men have been deputed to protect police buildings from arsonists and CRPF men have been asked not to patrol the streets to avoid confrontation with the 'azadi' screaming crowds." The violence has claimed over 65 lives, including two policemen.
BSF deployed for the first time in 12 years
As Kashmir continues to boil, the government deployed the Border Security Force after a long gap of 12 years. The forces have occupied government buildings and semi-government schools near Lal Chowk. Following 46 days of unrest, the Centre rushed 26 companies (2,600 personnel) of the BSF to the region.
The forces were pulled from Gujarat, Rajasthan and West Bengal. With the end of the Amarnath Yatra duties in the next few days, another 30 companies (3,000 personnel) are expected to join. Officials said the BSF would support the state police and paramilitary CRPF in trying to control the situation. The force used to conduct anti-militancy operations in Kashmir for over 13 years from 1991, but later replaced by the CRPF in 2004.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh to visit J&K
To try and resolve the escalating violence, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh will undertake a two-day visit to the region on Wednesday. Protests that began following Wani's death, mixed with the use of pellet guns to bring order, has resulted in the death of several civilians and left hundreds of people injured. Official sources said Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi will accompany the minister.
In wake of worsening situation, a delegation led by former J&K chief minister Omar Abdullah, met with President Pranab Mukherjee and submitted a memorandum stating the Centre needs to look for a "political solution" and not merely an "administrative" one.
A news report said Singh conducted two rounds of talks with people, mostly non-Kashmiri Muslims to discuss a plan of action and initiate a dialogue with Kashmiris.
PM holds all-party meet
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called an all party meeting to assess the situation. He said the government is "committed to a permanent and peaceful solution to the issue of Jammu & Kashmir in accordance with the basic principles of the Constitution."
Modi said, "Despite false propaganda by certain elements in Kashmir, the percentage of those spreading confusion and unrest; and those instigating youth is very low. Every Kashmiri wants peace, has faith in Democracy. That is why, despite threats by separatist elements during every election, the Kashmiri people have expressed faith in the Indian democratic system in each election. Even just prior to the recent disturbances, high votes were cast in the constituency of Chief Minister Mehboobaji. Therefore, to spread the myth that this is a public agitation is far from the truth."
"We have an open mind and our doors are always open. We are committed to the welfare of every citizen of the entire State of Jammu & Kashmir. We have been following the path shown by Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayeeji to find a solution."
Baloch leaders booked for supporting Modi's statements
Three top Baloch nationalist leaders in Pakistan have been booked for allegedly backing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's supportive words on Balochistan in his Independence Day speech. Brahamdagh Bugti, Harbiyar Marri, and Banuk Karima Baloch, were booked under sections 120, 121, 123, and 353 of the Pakistan Penal Code.
NaMo, in his speech, said the people of Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan and 'Azad Jammu and Kashmir' had "thanked him a lot in the past few days". The statement took the world by surprise, especially Pakistan, as it left a sour taste in their mouths. Protests erupted across the region, with men taking to the streets in Dera Bugti, Khuzdar, Quetta, Chaman and other parts of the province, to protest his statement.
Acting District Police Officer Khuzdar Muhammad Ashraf Jatak said the petitioners claimed that the three leaders had "supported" Modi's 15 August remarks. Last week, Baloch Chief Minister Sanaullah Zehri gave a speech slamming Modi and alleging that the Indian government "fully supports the ongoing insurgency in Balochistan". The speech came just days after a video showed exiled leader Bugti appreciating "support" given to the people by Modi. Zehri blamed the Indian government being "deeply involved in sponsoring elements like Brahamdagh Bugti, Harbiyar Marri, Zamran Marri and Allah Nazar."
Meanwhile, the US said issues concerning Kashmir or Balochistan should be decided by the "two parties involved". US Ambassador Richard Verma said, "When it comes to Balochistan, or even increased tensions in Kashmir in particular, it is our long-standing policy to leave the matter to be decided by the two parties."
