HM appeals to people of J-K to not be influenced by Pak forces

Civilians interfering in action by armed forces has become a major concern for the government.

Expressing concern over the rising number of incidents of stone pelting on the security forces, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday appealed to people in the valley to not be influenced by Pakistan's propaganda.

Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Singh accused the Pakistan of using the social media to mislead people and gather crowds at the encounter sites.

He said India's security forces know how to deal with terrorism and would continue to do so.

On Thursday, rise in civilian casualities during operations against the terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir had prompted Director General of Police SP Vaid to appeal youngsters to stay away from the encounter sites.

[Those coming to encounter sites are 'committing suicide', says J&K DGP]

Vaid said a 'bullet does not see who it is going to hit', adding that those coming to encounter sites were 'committing suicide'.

The DGP also said that some people are misleading the youths and provoking them to reach encounter sites and pelt stones.

One terrorist and three civilians were killed in an encounter that took place at Budgam in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday. As the encounter began, scores of locals came out on the streets and began pelting stones at the security forces. In the clashes, two civilians were killed.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has also appealed to the youth to not indulge in stone pelting. Army Chief Bipin Rawat had earlier warned civilians who prevent the army from doing its job by reaching encounter sites and said that strict action would be taken against them. OneIndia News

OneIndia News