Farooq calls meeting of opposition parties in Kashmir

Srinagar: National Conference President Farooq Abdullah today called a meeting of opposition parties of Kashmir to discuss the prevailing situation in the Valley which has crippled normal life for more than three months.

“Abdullah has called a meeting of opposition parties and individual leaders to discuss the ongoing situation in Kashmir,” a National Conference spokesman said.

He said the aim of the meeting was to find a way out of the situation.

Life in Kashmir has come to standstill for the past 98 days due to street protests which erupted after the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in an encounter with security forces on July 8.

The unrest has claimed 84 lives, including two cops, and left thousands of others injured in clashes between protestors and security forces.

Shops, business establishments, petrol pumps and educational institutions have largely remained closed.

Thousands of youths, including some top separatist leaders, have been arrested by police in an attempt to break the impasse. Over 300 persons have been booked under Public Safety Act (PSA).

PTI