Don't Want To Kill Our Own, Say Police On Kashmir Clashes After Burhan Wani's Killing

Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Police has appealed for calm in the Valley after 11 people died and over 200 were injured in violence that followed the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Burhan Wani.

96 security personnel were among the injured in clashes with protesters, senior officer SM Sahai said in a press conference in Srinagar, adding, three policemen were missing along with their weapons.

"We certainly don't want to kill youngsters of our own society. The focus is to prevent the loss of young lives," Mr Sahai told reporters. He added that the situation was particularly "bad" in south Kashmir.

Over 20 police camps were attacked by mobs, who also looted weapons from police stations and fired upon security personnel, the Inspector General of Police in Kashmir Javed Gilani said. He maintained that police acted with restraint and used tear gas to disperse protestors.

Two police stations DH Pora in Achabal, Tehsil Office Kokernag and Police Post Kund in Qazigund were set on fire and incidents of arson and stone pelting were reported from many parts of Kashmir, said a press statement from police.

The police said the Amarnath Yatra will resume when the security of people can be ensured.

Burhan Wani, considered the face of young militancy in Kashmir, was among the three terrorists killed in an intelligence-led police operation yesterday. His funeral in Tral today was attended by thousands.

The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, that passes through south Kashmir, has also been closed and mobile internet services in Kashmir remain suspended.