Although tension prevailed for the sixth consecutive day on Thursday, there was a significant dip in street violence.
The government, however, readied itself for Friday when it fears fresh violence after mass prayers.
Curfew remained in place in many areas and Internet services were still suspended.
For the first time, the government confirmed the death of 31 civilians. But, reports based on hospital sources suggest more than 35 civilians have died since Friday when Hizbul commander Burhan Wani was killed in an encounter.
“Around 1,640 civilians were treated for injuries. At present, 198 patients are still admitted in hospitals. Around 134 persons have eye injuries. Many injured civilians were discharged after specialised treatment,” a government spokesman said. As many as 276 surgeries were performed during the last few days. “While tackling the unruly crowds, over 1,500 security personnel were injured,” he added.
Sporadic stone throwing continued in parts of Srinagar, south and north Kashmir but “overall the situation remained under control,” a police spokesman said. There were no reports of injuries.
Authorities are gearing up for Friday as large congregations may turn violent after the prayers. Curfew is likely to continue to thwart the protests.
Wani hideout set afire
A top police officer told The Hindu that a crowd set fire to the house where Wani was killed in Kokernag’s Bumdoora village. “The incident was sparked off by rumours that the owner of the house locked up Wani and his associates, which led to the killing. The house was extensively damaged,” said the police officer.
The protesters also damaged a private orchard, leaving 4,000 high-yielding plants in ruins. “It is a bad thing that has happened,” said Khurram Shafi Mir, the promoter of the project.
Jaish vows revenge
Militant outfit Jaish-e-Muhammad on Thursday pledged to take revenge for the killing of Wani and civilians. “We will take revenge the killings of Muslims in Kashmir soon,” JeM spokesman Muhammad Hassan Shah was quoted as saying.
