Kashmir row: Death toll reaches 48 as another policeman dies

Srinagar: Constable Mudasir Ahmad of the Jammu-Kashmri police became the second policeman to die in the turmoil thus marking the rate of death toll at 48. The death toll, including both civilians and policemen, is at 48. Most have died from injuries sustained during protests taken out by locals against security forces over Wani’s death.

Ahmad had been injured in an attack on a police station in Kulgam district on July 15 when a mob had pelted stones. Suspected militants also hurled a grenade at the station, resulting in six cops being injured, including Ahmad.

Earlier, police vehicle driver Feroz Ahmad died on July 9 when a mob attacked his mobile bunker and pushed it into the strong currents of the Jhelum river in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district.

The Valley has been under strict curfew since Wani was killed on July 8 in an encounter. Considered a hero by the locals, the young Hizb commander came to prominence after he posted videos on the internet, calling on fellow Kashmiri youth to join his cause for an independent state.

Hundreds arrived at his funeral at his hometown in Tral when his body was brought for the last rights. Private mobile services and internet communication were also suspended to prevent an escalation of the situation.