Kashmir on the Edge as Death Toll Rises to 19 in Clashes Over Wani's Death

Srinagar: Kashmir remained on the edge with three more persons, including a cop, getting killed in violence on Sunday, raising the death toll to 19 even as curfew-like restrictions and suspension of mobile internet services continued.

A grenade was hurled at CRPF post late in the evening by some unidentified men injuring two jawans, a police official said.

The unrest began on Friday following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani leading to the suspension of Amarnath Yatra for the second consecutive day, although some stranded pilgrims were escorted to safety.

Efforts were on to fish out the body of the deceased cop.

In Delhi, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh reviewed the situation in the Valley and spoke to Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, assuring her of all possible help.

Mufti also urged protesters to maintain calm and allow the government to restore peace.

The state police also urged protesters not to resort to violence, saying it does not bring the right consequences, and that it would like to avoid the killing of the youth.

Meanwhile former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah extended support towards starting a peace process and urged CM Mehbooba Mufti to lead the way.

Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu however lashed out at people who supported Wani and wondered how could any Indian show sympathy for a Mujhahideen commander.

On Sunday Newspapers in the valley were full of advertisements announcing the cancellation of feasts and invites related to ceremonies planned post Ramadan owing to the violence.

Even as curfew-like restrictions remained in force, violence was reported from a number of places.

An 18-year-old youth was critically injured and succumbed to death in clashes between protestors and security forces at Newa in Pulwama on Sunday, a police official said.

In another incident, a head constable of police was shot in both legs by militants last night at his residence in Tral area of Pulwama district, the official said.

Three youth were injured in security forces firing when a mob attacked a police post in Achabal area of Anantnag district with stones, the official said.

Another youth was injured when he was hit by firearm in Pampore town on Srinagar-Jammu National Highway on Sunday.

At least six other persons were hospitalised with minor injuries at various places in south Kashmir, which has seen widespread protests.

As per consolidated information, more than 200 persons including 96 security personnel were injured in the clashes during which the mobs set on fire three police installations, three civil administration offices, the house of a PDP MLA, several vehicles and targeted a BJP office.