Kashmir death toll now 34, separatists target police, write to UN for intervention

The death toll in Kashmir's protests against the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen leader Burhan Wani on 8 July has now reached 34, with two people succumbing to their injuries on Tuesday.

The two who died were a man who had been hit by a bullet in Bijbehara, Anantnag, on Monday, and another who had been injured in a mob attack on Kralpora police station.

Curfew and other restrictions remained in place in the Valley, as separatists called a strike, says The Indian Express. Protesters in almost all the major towns of Kashmir threw stones at security forces, and police guard rooms and outposts were attacked at Gadbugh, Batnag in Tral and Pulwama. Protesters at Safa Kadal in Srinagar also threw a petrol bomb at CRPF and police personnel.

The wife and daughter of S-I Mohammad Ashraf Pal in Awantipora area, Pulwama, were beaten up by a mob and his house vandalised, said the police.

Separatist leaders in a joint statement targeted the police, warning them that they, their families and their friends would face a social boycott if they "don't change their behaviour".

The statement by Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Yasi Malik said: "They (J&K police) are part of our nation but they are becoming more loyal than the king. We make a fervent appeal to these men in uniform that they should not try to stop peaceful protesters."

Mirwaiz, chairman of the Hurriyat, has also written to UN secretary general Ban Ki Moon, asking for an "effective intervention".