Violence broke out in parts of Kashmir after Hizbul Mujahideen's Burhan Wani killing. (PTI)
As clashes in Kashmir continue for the sixth straight day, the state's ruling PDP expressed reservations about the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Burhan Wani, which had triggered the violence across the valley. Thirty-six people have died in the violence so far and the number of injured has crossed 1,500.
Here are latest developments in this story:
Claiming that the government was not kept in the loop about the operation, Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh told NDTV: "Operations (against militants) are taking almost daily, but that time we had no idea that Burhan was there as we were told by police. But ultimately it is fallout of that."
PDP's Muzffar Beig also questioned the killing of Burhan Wani, saying the operation had violated the procedure laid down by the Supreme Court for face-offs between security forces and terrorists even when the armed forces have special powers under the controversial AFSPA.
"It is a serious offence and I have asked the Chief Minister to appoint a high-powered committee that will examine the circumstances in which Burhan Wani was killed," news agency IANS quoted him as saying.
The BJP-PDP government has again appealed to separatists to restore peace in the area. "This is not the time for politics as Pakistan is playing politics and dirty game and raised issue at UN," said Deputy Chief Minster Nirmal Singh.
The Jammu and Kashmir High Court, too, stepped in, asking the government to ensure essential supplies like baby food and life-saving drugs, and treatment to the injured. "It is a responsibility of the state to maintain law and order and see that people are not put to suffering," the court said.
Curfew and lockdown continued in Kashmir for the Sixth consecutive day as the government strengthened security ahead of Friday's prayers. Despite appeals for calm, protests and clashes took place in several parts of the valley.
A mob targetted the house at Kokernag, 83 km from Srinagar, where Burhan Wani was hiding before he got killed, accusing the family of tipping off the security forces.
Cellphone and internet services are still disabled in large parts of the Kashmir Valley. All telecom operators have been asked to suspend services in the Valley on Friday.
The famous Amarnath Yatra, which had been tentatively resumed, was suspended again following fresh violence in Anantnag. The yatra draws thousands of pilgrims from across the country to a cave shrine.
Pakistan, meanwhile, has been trying to fan the anti-government sentiments in the Valley. Following reports that Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is planning a cabinet meeting over the situation in Kashmir, India reiterated on Thursday that Kashmir is solely an internal affair.
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