Security forces face piquant situation as Kashmir agitation has no leaders'

New Delhi: Security forces in Kashmir are finding it difficult to curb fatal street protests as the agitation — now led by “young masked boys” — was totally out of separatists’ control, authorities in the Valley have informed the Centre.

This warrants a tactical shift in security operations, and also points to a dangerous trend that a sizeable section of Kashmiris — particularly youth — was not just being instigated but was angry with the government, sources said. 

The feedback has come after the Union home ministry asked authorities to identify the main instigators of turbulence in the Valley, and initiate stringent action against them. But security forces and intelligence agencies — after initial investigations — informed the ministry that there were no visible leaders, and the agitation was being managed by “very young” local elements in every area.

Two youth were killed and about 100 wounded as stone-pelting mobs and security forces clashed in south Kashmir areas amid a rare Eid curfew on Tuesday, taking the toll to 84 in 67 days of violence sparked after militant Burhan Wani’s encounter killing on July 8.

A policeman also died of heart attack during clashes. Internet services have been shut down as has all mobile telephony except that of the state-run BSNL for the next 72 hours.

Eid congregations were not held at the important Eidgah and Hazratbal shrines for the first time in 26 years. Prayers were offered at neighbourhood mosques instead. Kashmir never missed Id revelry even during the peak of militancy in the 1990s, locals said.

“A tactical shift is needed. Separatists had initially played a key role in instigating violence. But very young local elements — most in the age group of 15-20 — are at work now. The violence will have to be contained in every area,’’ a senior intelligence official said. The Army has begun “area domination” exercise in South Kashmir, the hub of the ongoing street protests. There is a view within the government now that talks with separatists, including Hurriyat leaders, will not yield results as the protesters may not accept their appeal for restoring normalcy.

India also rejected on Tuesday a statement by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein after he sought an international mission to visit Kashmir.

While the Valley remains shut for more than two months now because of curfew and shutdown restrictions, the army has moved an entire brigade into South Kashmir as part of operation 'Calm Down' to clear it of militants and protesters. There were reports that around 100 militants had crossed into South Kashmir since the unrest broke out after Wani's killing, a PTI report said.

The Valley has been reeling under the deadliest unrest it has suffered in the last six years. More than 12,000 people—mainly youngsters with quite a few of them suffering eye injuries—have also been wounded in clashes.