Omar cancels unified command meet to protest civilian deaths in J-K

Srinagar/Kupwara/ Baramulla (Jammu and Kashmir), Aug 13 (ANI): ammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah cancelled the unified command meeting to protest against the civilian deaths in the valley on Friday.

There have been at least a dozen clashes in Srinagar between the security forces and protesters today.

Shouting anti-government slogans, an irate mob of protestors burnt the effigy of Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh during the protest, thereby defying the curfew imposed by the administration.

At least two persons were killed and several others injured in firing by security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara and Baramulla Districts on Friday.

Sixty-five-year-old Ali Mohammad, who was seriously injured in Pattan in Baramulla District this morning succumbed to his injuries at Srinagar's Soura Medical Institute.

"The victim had received a fire arm injury and succumbed to his wounds," said Deputy Medical Superintendent of Soura Medical Institute Riyaz Ahmad.ccording to sources, the forces opened fire early in the morning to disperse protesters at Tergham in Kupwara.

After the incident, tension has gripped the entire area.

Meanwhile, curfew has been imposed in the area to maintain law and order.

Paramilitary and police forces have been deployed in strength to thwart any protest marches planned for the day.

Meanwhile, Hurriyat Conference (M) Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq delivered the Friday sermon, and reiterated that protests will end only after New Delhi accepts the Hurriyat's proposals, including the withdrawal of forces and the repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act.

However, Chairman of Hurriyat Conference Syed Ali Shah Geelani urged people to offer congregational Friday prayers at Tehsil headquarters as a mark of protest.

A curfew was initially imposed on June 30 in parts of northern and southern Kashmir to stop demonstrations over a couple of protesters who died in police firing.

It was lifted some days later, but was again imposed as fresh violence erupted.

The valley is witnessing a surge of violence that has led the authorities to impose frequent curfew restrictions in several parts of Kashmir.

With this death, the death toll in violence touched 53 since June. (ANI)