In the wake of the killing of Sabzar Ahmad Bhat, Hizb-ul Mujahideen commander, and seven other militants in two anti-militancy operations in the Kashmir Valley since Friday night, violent protests erupted in the Valley and the situation was tense.
It may be recalled that the killing of Burhan Wani on July 8 last triggered months-long protests, continued shutdown ''ordered'' by separatists and frequent clashes with security forces.
Here are the latest developments:
- A civilian was killed and at least 30 people were today injured in violent clashes between protesters and security forces in the Kashmir Valley.
“A person was hit by a bullet during the exchange of fire between militants and security personnel in Tral. He was rushed to a local hospital, where he succumbed to injuries,” a police official said.
However, the protesters alleged he was killed during clashes with the security forces.
- The Army said its relentless operations to thwart attempts by Pakistan to boost terror activities in Kashmir have borne fruit, resulting to the deaths of ten militants since Friday. “Relentless operations by security forces have defeated desperate attempts by Pakistan and Pakistan-sponsored agents to spread terror in the state in the run up to the holy month of Ramzan,” the defence spokesman of the Northern Command said. In the last 24 hours, ten heavily armed intruders and terrorists have been successfully eliminated, he said.
- A shutdown was observed in the Valley on Saturday and one person was injured in Anantnag in clashes with security forces.
- Unnerved people rushed to their homes, leading to traffic snarls on certain routes. Schools were closed three hours early.
- Internet has been snapped in the Valley. A month-long ban on social networking web sites in Jammu and Kashmir had just ended on Friday night, with the State government deciding against extending the much-criticised block.
- Pelting of stones were reported in some parts of south Kashmir, including Tral in Pulwama and Khanabal in Anamtnag district, according to officials.
