New Delhi: as many as 6 civilians were reportedly killed with nearly two dozens civilians left injured in firing by the security forces in J&K’s Pulwama that also killed three terrorists and one soldier in the encounter this Saturday.
Condemning the killing of civilians during the encounter, National Conference leader Omar Abdullah tweeted: “Another blood-soaked weekend in Kashmir. 6 protestors killed, 1 solider killed in the line of duty. Together with the 3 militants from this morning’s encounter that’s 10 dead. Reports of many injured at the encounter site. What a horrible day!”
“Six civilians killed and numerous more injured, many critically. Any way you look at it this was a badly executed encounter. Protests around encounter sites are now the norm, not the exception. Why are we unable to learn how to handle them better?” he added.
Another blood soaked weekend in Kashmir. 6 protestors killed, 1 solider killed in the line of duty. Together with the 3 militants from this morning’s encounter that’s 10 dead. Reports of many injured at the encounter site. What a horrible day!
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) December 15, 2018
Lashing out at Governor Malik and his credibility, Abdullah said he could not protect his own people.
The administration of Governor Malik has one task & one task only – to focus on the security of the people of J&K & restore peace to a troubled valley. Sadly it appears that’s the only thing the administration is not doing. Publicity campaigns & full page ads don’t bring peace.
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) December 15, 2018
Responding to the civilians death, former J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti, too, questioned the credibility of the governor’s rule in the state while she expressed her condolences to the bereaved family members.
How long are we going to shoulder the coffins of our youngsters? So many civilians killed today post encounter in Pulwama. No country can win a war by killing its own people. I strongly condemn these killings , and once again appeal for efforts , to stop this blood bath .
— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) December 15, 2018
Ex DGP Shesh Paul Vaid also condemned the killing and expressed his anguish at the killings of the civilians.
“Anguished at the loss of lives of civilians in an encounter in Pulwama. Continued instigation by terrorists and their masters across, for the civilians to reach the encounter site and disrupt the operation by stone pelting leads to loss of precious lives. Terrible,” Vaid said.