Unprecedented clashes erupted in Srinagar on Saturday, following the arrest of the separatist leader Masarat Alam. Protestors fought with the security officials in the Kashmr Valley, injuring more than 25 people, most of whom were the security personnels.
A rally was organized to bring light on the killing of a youth named Khalid Muzaffar Wan, who was allegedly killed while in the custody of the army. While the Army claims that Khalid was the brother of an active Hizbul Mujahideen commander and had links with the militants, the family opposes the army by saying that he was killed in custody.
No sooner did the rally begin than it turned into a harsh conflict. The protestors pelted stones on the police officers, resulting in many getting injured and vehicles getting destroyed. In order to bring the situation in control, the security forces countered by firing dozens of smoke shells. The security officers had to also resort to tear gas shells to occupy control over the situation.
Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said that the Centre will come down hard on those who are accused of sedition. “I want to assure the country that the government will not compromise on the unity and integrity of the country. Sedition will not be forgiven,” said the home minister. The BJP has made it clear that “such activities were unacceptable”. His (Alam’s) arrest was ‘no surprise’ as the party was clear over not permitting any anti-India activity.
Alam was earlier jailed for organizing anti-India protests, resulting in the death of 112 people by stone pelting in 2010. Soon after he was freed from 5 years of imprisonment, he was arrested again from his house in Habbakadal area of the city. When produced before a judge, he was handed to police custody and was sentenced 7 days in jail. According to Syed Riyaz Khawar, a Kashmir-based senior lawyer, Alam could be held in jail for six months without trial. The period can be extended too, and if found guilty, he could face a maximum of life imprisonment.
Syed Ali Shah Geelani (84), another Separatist, was put under house arrest, on Friday, for leading an anti-national rally and displaying Pakistani flags.
The conflicts between India and Pakistan range back to the Independence period. It has been 68 years since Independence but a diplomatic solution still hasn’t been reached. Separatists like Alam and Geelani are strict anti-Indians, who have been protesting since many years. Many reports suggest that 27 FIR’s have been registered against Masarat Alam but no chargesheets were filed against him, which is why he is still free and is protesting against the nation.
Tags: Alam Kashmir Srinagar
