A curfew imposed throughout Indian-held Kashmir continued for a fifth day on Tuesday as tensions escalate in the aftermath of the Pulwama attack. The death toll from Monday’s gun battle rose to four as Indian forces continued to clamp down in the occupied valley. The killings led to clashes between the protesters and troops in the area. Five Indian troops, including an officer, were killed in an attack in the same area. Further, nearly 200 youths have volunteered to guard Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq after his security was withdrawn by the Indian government. Security of six Kashmiri leaders, including Mirwaiz, was withdrawn on Sunday in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror strike. Awami Action Committee (ACC) on Twitter said hundreds have registered themselves to guard Mirwaiz. Quoting the tweet, the Hurriyat leader said, “Moved by the love and affection of these young men, my gratitude to their selfless love.”
Meanwhile, at least 6,000 Kashmiri Muslims have taken refuge in mosques across the occupied valley fearing attacks by Hindu mobs. According to Kashmir Media Service, Abdul Majid, a member of Makkah Masjid Committee Bathindi, said around 2,500 to 3,000 people are seeking shelter in his mosque. Aijaz Ahmed Mir, a resident of Baramulla, who had gone to Chandigarh with his wife for medical treatment said, “We reached Jammu on Sunday evening. Fearing attacks in other areas, we took refuge in Makkah Masjid, Bathindi.”
Published in Daily Times, February 20th 2019.
