Srinagar: The Valley has been marred with violence following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani by security forces. The violence has so far resulted in the death of 23 people, including one policeman in the restive Kashmir Valley. While the retaliation against security forces has come as a setback, places of religious worship too seem to have played their part in triggering the violence that unfolded following the militant’s killing.
Media reports suggest that mosques across the region have been blaring pro-Pakistan and anti-India slogans over their loudspeakers, provoking anti-India sentiments. According to a report in The Times of India, other than slogans, the mosques also incited people to fight against the security forces and urged the youths to join a “jihad against India”.
The report further claimed that separatists in Jammu and Kashmir often play audio cassettes with anti-India rhetoric in mosques demanding ‘azadi’ (freedom) of Kashmir from India through ‘jihad’.
A senior intelligence officer claimed that separatists, who are linked with Pakistan, are always ready to take advantage of such situations and keep such material in order flare up anti-India sentiments.
Meanwhile, Pakistan too has been trying to take advantage of the current situation and has accused India of committing human rights violations in Kashmir following the killing of Wani. Pakistan said that the resolution of the Kashmir issue is only possible by realising the right to "self determination" of the people there.
The Indian government slammed Pakistan for its statements and for supporting those protesting the killing of Burhan Wani.
Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said that he is surprised how any Indian can have sympathy for a terrorist like Wani.
“We are really surprised that some people are trying to support to so called protestors who are sympathizing with the terrorist. He is a Hizbul Mujahideen commander, how can any Indian have sympathy for such people,” he said.
With the protests in the Kashmir valley turning ugly, 23 people have died so far and more than 200 have been left injured. Curfew has been imposed in most parts of the affected areas and the Amarnath Yatra is temporarily suspended with around 10,000 pilgrims stranded.
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