Daily Times

SRINAGAR: New Delhi’s home minister called for “maximum restraint” in Indian-Occupied Kashmir on Sunday after weeks of clashes between Kashmiri protesters and Indian security forces that left scores dead.

At least 49 people have been killed in clashes in Indian-Occupied Kashmir following the death of popular separatist commander Burhan Wani in a gunfight with Indian occupational forces on July 8.

Speaking at the end of a two-day visit to the restive region, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said he was concerned about the violence and called on both sides to ease tensions.

“I am worried about the situation here, so is our prime minister,” Singh told reporters after meeting with business, government and other groups during the visit. “I have asked the security forces to exercise maximum restraint.”

Singh also urged residents to refrain from violence in the disputed territory. More than 5,500 people, including 2,259 civilians, have been injured in the latest clashes, including scores who were shot in the eyes with pellets by troopers and may have been blinded.

Large parts of the region remained under a security lockdown for the 16th day as mobile phone and internet networks remained suspended.

Singh accused Pakistan of inflaming violence in the Indian-Occupied Kashmir after Islamabad announced a “black day” to show solidarity with Kashmir residents living under the Indian occupation. “Pakistan is itself a sufferer of terrorism and they should not instigate Kashmiri youth to pick up arms. This should stop,” Singh said.