Extra Forces Deployed in J&K for Burhan Wani’s Death Anniversary

The J&K Police directed internet service providers to block all social media sites from Thursday night.

Hizbul Mujahideen’s ex-chief Burhan Muzzafar Wani was shot dead on 8 July 2016 by security forces.

(Photo: Altered by The Quint)

Mobile Internet services have been restored in Kashmir Valley. The services were suspended on Thursday fearing deterioration in law and order situation ahead of the first death anniversary of Hizbul militant commander Burhan Wani which is on 8 July.

More than 21,000 additional central paramilitary forces have been deployed in Jammu and Kashmir for the security of Amarnath yatra and ahead of Wani’s death anniversary, Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi told reporters in New Delhi.

We are well prepared to handle any situation in Kashmir. We have sent 214 companies of central forces to control any situation which may arise on 8 July and during Amarnath yatra.

Rajiv Mehrishi, Union Home Secretary

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Security Beefed Up

A single company of central paramilitary force comprises 100 personnel. These forces are in addition to the state police forces and those deployed for anti-militancy duties.

Four districts of Jammu and Kashmir – Pulwama, Kulgam, Shopian and Anantnag –have been on the boil since the killing of the Hizbul Mujahideen militant in an encounter with security forces on 8 July 2016. Over 80 young men from these areas had taken to arms since the encounter, official sources from the state had said earlier.

Seventy-six civilians and two police personnel were killed during the five-month unrest in the Valley following Wani's killing.

Also Read: Army to Deploy 5 Batallions for Amarnath Yatra Security This Year

The state government has also announced 10-day holidays for all educational institutions from 6 July.

The holidays coincides with a protest schedule issued by the United Jehad Council (UJC), an amalgam of militant organisations operating in the Valley.

The UJC had announced the protest programme on Monday in connection with what it called the first death anniversary of Wani. The Centre has also announced additional security for the revered Amarnath yatra.

The 40-day long yatra began on 28 June. So far more than 90,000 pilgrims have paid obeisance at the cave shrine located at an altitude of 3,888-metre in south Kashmir.

Also Read: Security Beefed up as Amarnath Yatra Under Possible Terror Threat

Social Media Sites to Be Blocked

Also, the Jammu and Kashmir Police directed internet service providers to block all social media sites or shut down their services in Kashmir from 10 pm on Thursday, till further orders in view of Wani’s death anniversary. The order was issued by Inspector General of police, Kashmir, Munir Ahmad Khan to various lease line internet service providers in the valley. The order read:

In view of the apprehensions of misuse of internet services by anti-national elements, which is likely to cause deterioration in law and order situation, you are directed to block all social media sites.

Also Read: Within a Day of Being Lifted, Social Media Banned Again in Kashmir

It added that if blocking of the social media sites was not possible, the service providers should shut down their services in Kashmir valley from 10 pm on Thursday till further orders.

The authorities are also likely to suspend mobile internet services across the valley as a precautionary measure.

Police and other security forces have intensified area domination to prevent assembly of people in Wani's native village in Tral area.

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