Kashmir situation similar to peak-militancy era of 1990s: VHP

New Delhi, Jul 11: VHP today said the situation in Kashmir was similar to that of the 1990s when militancy was at its peak and appealed to the government to take strictest actions, including issuing shoot-at-sight order, against "Pakistan- backed terrorists".

"Whatever is happening in Kashmir is very unfortunate. The reaction to the action taken against (Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan) Wani by police was unfortunate. The current situation seems like the 90s era is returning to the Valley. "This is not a time to say these are 'misguided' people.

The people backed by Pakistan should be isolated and strictest action should be taken against them, even if it is shooting at sight," VHP joint general secretary Surendra Jain said.

The death toll in the clashes between protesters and security forces in Kashmir mounted to 23, as normal life remained paralysed for the third day today in the Valley due to curfew-like restrictions and separatists-sponsored strike in the wake of Wani's killing in an encounter on Friday.

Alleging attacks on Amarnath pilgrims, the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) said it was "unacceptable" and that targeting Hindus will have "serious repercussions". Jain alleged Amarnath pilgrims had been attacked by members of a particular community in the state yesterday when they tried to organise a 'bhandara' there.

"They should realise the ghati (Valley) doesn't belong to a particular community only. It belongs to Baba Amarnath too. Any attempt to target the pilgrims will prove to be a costly affair for the attackers," he said.

The VHP leader also hit out at JNU student Umar Khalid for comparing Wani to a revolutionary. "This is so unfortunate that a terrorist who was wanted for years is being compared to a revolutionary," he said. Jain also asked Kashmiris to denounce the terror activities.

PTI