Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday said security personnel will be answerable for using excessive force against protestors, after thousands took to streets after Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani was killed by Indian forces on Friday, reported The Indian Express. She also asked parents to discourage their children from participating in protests that continue in the Valley.
At least 24 people have been killed after the protests turned violent. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday appealed for peace in the state, and expressed hope that no more civilian lives will be lost, Minister of State in the PM’s Office, Jitendra Singh said.
Mufti released a nine-minute video message in which she said she understands the pain of losing a child as she too has two daughters. “When we get to know that the child will not return, how much pain does it cause?” she said.
However, the chief minister warned the people of Kashmir against outsiders who take part in the protests. “Such elements are well aware that when they do such a thing, there will be such a reaction from the opposite side that can cause harm and suffering to people,’’ she said without further explaining what she meant by “elements who come from other areas”.
She condoled the lives lost and said that despite strict instructions to the forces to exercise restraint, many innocent people have been killed and several have been injured over the past four days. Many of them have sustained irreparable injuries in the eyes and chest.
The Amarnath Yatra reportedly resumed on Monday after it was suspended for two days. Mufti spoke highly of the people of Kashmir for helping the pilgrims. “I am proud of how Muslims looked after Pandits in our villages,’’ she said.
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