J&K: Thousands of Kashmiris attend Bashir Lashkari's funeral
Thousands of Kashmiris bid farewell to Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Bashir Lashkari, at his funeral, held at Lashkari's ancestral village, Soaf-shali in Anantnag. The attendees chanted slogans demanding freedom from Indian rule. Kashmir has been in shutdown since the recent killing of Lashkari along with his accomplice and two civilians in an encounter with security forces in Anantnag. Let's see what's happening on the ground!
J&K: Security cordon traps top LeT terrorist
Four terrorists including a top Lashkar-e-Taiba member were trapped in security forces' cordon in Anantnag, J&K. Bashir Lakshari, the wanted LeT terrorist was caught, and the three others who were involved in the killing of six police personnel in Achabal area last month. An encounter was underway in Brenti village. A civilian was also killed in the cross-firing.
Ground situation in Kashmir
Restrictions on unlawful assembly under Section 144 of the CrPC were imposed in areas including MR Gunj, Khanyar and Rainawari. In response to calls from separatist leaders including Syed Ali Geelani and Yasin Malik, businesses and offices remain closed and vehicles stayed off the roads. Train services from Srinagar to North Kashmir and central to south Kashmir have also been suspended.
Civilians are growing increasingly discontent with the government
Separatists maintain that the security forces have been extremely repressive with curfews and other restrictions becoming increasingly common. They have also accused the government of killing youth and suppressing the pro-freedom leadership. Moreover, harsh-handed approach to protesters have resulted in the killing of 22 civilians so far, including youth. While collateral damage is almost inevitable, government does need to introspect on what Kashmiris want.
