Situation in Handwara in Jammu and Kashmir continues to be grim with curfew imposed in many parts of the city. While three civilians had been killed in clashes between protesters and security forces on Tuesday, one more person succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday when security forces allegedly fired teargas shells to quell protesters.
Mobile internet services have been suspended in 3 districts.
Protests have been raging on in Handwara as well as other parts of J&K following allegations that a security personnel molested a school girl in the town. Many areas adjoining Handwara town witnessed violent protests during which a shed inside a police post was set ablaze. In Srinagar also, some parts of old city witnessed stone pelting in which two CRPF jawans were injured.
The state government on Wednesday suspended an Assistant Sub-Inspector of Jammu and Kashmir Police for "mishandling" of the law and order situation in Handwara and for opening fire on protesters.
Meanwhile, the Army rubbished claims of molestation by any of its personnel and asserted that the allegations were made to malign the image of the force. "The video that we have released shows that there was no molestation. It is a malafide intent by some elements to malign the good image of Army. We have ordered a probe into the incident and if anybody is found guilty, they will have to face severe action," Army PRO Lieutenant Colonel NN Joshi said.
In the purported video statement given to the police by the girl in question, she has denied involvement of any Army man and has in fact accused local boys of hatching a conspiracy.
Describing the firing incident as "very unfortunate", Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has sought a time-bound probe. "Such incidents should not happen in the future. The families of the victims will be compensated," she said.
Northern Army Commander Lt General DS Hooda visited the affected area in Handwara and pushed for early completion of probe into the death of the civilians. He termed the incident as "highly regrettable".
A police spokesman said that 110 of its personnel were injured while trying to disperse unruly mobs at various places in the Valley.
The protests were reported even as authorities imposed curfew-like restrictions in six police station areas of Srinagar city and Handwara area of Kupwara in north Kashmir.
Restrictions were imposed in Rainawari, Maharajgunj, Nowhatta, Khanyar, Safakadal and Maisuma police station areas of Srinagar as a precautionary measure in view of apprehensions of law and order problems.
Separatist groups have called for a strike against the killings on Thursday as well. Most of the shops, business establishments and petrol pumps have been shut in areas other than those were restrictions have been imposed as well.
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