Mehbooba again asks security forces to exercise restraint

As the Valley continues to remain on edge in the wake of civilian killings in recent days, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti Tuesday asked the security forces to "exercise maximum restraint while operating in provocative situations."

“The Chief Minister has directed the security forces to exercise maximum restraint while performing their duties in provocative situations and follow the laid down standard operating procedures (SOPs) strictly in such cases," an official spokesman said.

He said while chairing a cabinet meeting in Jammu,  Chief Minister directed the administration to take all required measures to tackle the situation effectively and at the same time “ensure that the general public is not put to any inconvenience and their grievances are addressed.”

The Cabinet also expressed deep anguish over the loss of precious lives in the Kashmir valley during the prevailing law and order situation and made a fervent appeal to all shades of political opinion to help restore peace and normalcy in the valley, the spokesman said. The Cabinet urged the civil society and parents to counsel the youth to stay away from violent protests “which, in spite of maximum restraint, can at times lead to fatal consequences.”
Earlier, Mehbooba met Governor N N Vohra at the Raj Bhavan here and discussed law and order issues with him.

Meanwhile, educational institutions remained closed across Kashmir on Tuesday a day after widespread student protests in the valley. Officials said the educational institutions were closed as a “precautionary measure” to prevent further protests. Nearly 100 students were injured in security forces action on Monday as college and university campuses across Kashmir erupted against the thrashing of Pulwama Degree College students on Saturday.

In the wake of the spiralling violence in the Valley especially clashes between college students and security forces, the authorities Tuesday evening announced that all colleges of Kashmir division will remain closed on April 19 as well as a “precautionary measure.”

The youth wing of Opposition National Conference took out a protest rally in Srinagar against use of “unprecedented force” by security forces against the people, especially students, in Kashmir. The NC youth activists, wearing black shrouds, were shouting slogans against Mehbooba government.