Srinagar, July 09: In a shocking revelation, sources in the Union Home Ministry have given proof that the current turmoil in Kashmir is being not only instigated, but also planned and funded from across the border, by the Laskar-e-Tayyeba in collussion with hardliner separatists.
Intelligence agencies have intercepted conversations between one Ghulam Ahmed Dar and Shabir Wani which clearly shows that the stone-pelting and other disturbances are being funded by external elements in collision with the separatists.
A large procession had started in Budgam district on the outskirts of Srinagar in the evening and two senior office-bearers of the hardline Hurriyat faction led by Syed Ali Shah Geelani discussed how to utilise it to create casualties, according to the transcript of the conversation available with the Home Ministry.
According to the transcript, one of the office- bearers, Ghulam Ahmed Dar, was heard telling Shabir Ahmed Wani, another office-bearer, that a procession of nearly 20,000 people had started from Magam and was going towards Budgam.
Wani tells Dar, “you guys enjoy payments sitting at home and do nothing.”
Dar, in his response, says, “the management of crowd becomes difficult later…..it gets difficult to manage the mob later.”
Dar then ends up by saying, “at least 15 people should be martyred today.”
The sources say there is recognition of genuine protest and anger in the Valley, but add that “mischief makers” are taking advantage of that anger.
J&K CM Omar Abdullah had said last week that the government has taped conversations between separatists, handlers from across LoC and stone-pelters. He said they have also tracked movement of money for these leaders.
The sources in the Home Ministry said the government was keeping a close watch on the situation and was of the opinion that the violence is occurring to derail the freshly started peace process between India and Pakistan.
The opposition had also sounded alert for the government about the problem being fomented by LeT and other militant groups.
“Pakistan is involved in stone-pelting. Stones are brought in trucks with each truckload costing Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,200. Boys are paid Rs 500 each for pelting stones. This is a low cost, high impact strategy being used by terrorist groups whose middle level leadership was liquidated by forces,” BJP spokesperson Prakash Javadekar had said on July 1.
Even the Union Home Minister had said in a press conference that LeT could be involved the Valley’s new trouble.
Army has now been deployed in parts of the state after the govt requested the same.
Day today
Curfew continued to remain in force for the third day in almost all parts of the Kashmir Valley as Army staged a flag march in the city warning people not to violate the prohibitory orders.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today reviewed the situation with senior officials of the bureaucracy and police and discussed the possibility of curfew relaxation tomorrow because of Friday prayers and for Shab-e-Mehraj, a religious function, on Saturday.
It was decided that an on-the-spot assessment would be made tomorrow depending upon the law and order situation in the area, official sources said, adding they also discussed whether to continue flag marches by the Army or not.
Additional forces of eight companies (800 personnel) sought by the state also arrived this evening and were immediately deployed in trouble areas of the city.
In a related development, Centre has sent out a tough message that “anti-nationals and vested interests” creating unrest in the valley would be dealt with sternly.
Omar has also convened an all-party meeting in Srinagar on Monday to discuss present situation.
During the day, Ganderbal, in the outskirts of the city, witnessed a protest of a different nature when students gathered on road complaining against delay in setting up a Central University in that district. The protesters dispersed after a mild-lathi charge.
In Chadoora, in Budgam district, people attempted to come on the roads but had to beat a hasty retreat when security forces resorted to cane-charging.
The curfew restrictions forced the local media persons to stay indoors. Newspapers may not hit the stands tomorrow for the second day.
Sopore town and old parts of Baramulla were placed under curfew as a precautionary measure, official sources said.
Curfew was also being enforced strictly in Srinagar, where three persons were killed in alleged firing by security forces on Tuesday.
-PTI