The Valley has witnessed an increase in the number of stone-pelting incidents after Article 370 was abrogated on 5 August. Top sources have confirmed to The Quint that between 5 and 7 August, 55 incidents of stone-pelting have been recorded by the security forces. In spite of Section 144 being imposed in Jammu & Kashmir, in several parts of the Valley, between 100 to 200 protesters gathered in protest against the effective abrogation of Article 370.
“Security forces used tear gas to to control protestors. We do not have information on whether any local resident got injured during the protests. Nor do we have any information about detaining any protester.”Senior Official, Security Forces
Top Six Stone-Pelting Incidents
Below are the details of six incidents where between 100 to 200 protesters gathered in J&K, all between 5 and 6 August.
Rise In Stone-Pelting Incidents
- On 5 August,13 incidents were reported, of which 11 happened in Srinagar, 1 in Awantipora and 1 in Bandipora. 3 CRPF personnel were injured but details of the number of locals injured is not available.
- On 6 August, 20 incidents of stone-pelting were reported, of which 18 happened in Srinagar and 2 in Pulwama. 12 CRPF personnel were injured but details of number of locals injured is not available.
- On 7 August, 22 incidents of stone-pelting were reported, of which 20 happened in Srinagar and 2 in Pulwama. 1 CRPF personnel was injured but details of the number of locals injured is not available.
Around 65,000 CRPF personnel are deployed in Jammu and Kashmir. “On 7 August, we distributed daily essentials, like milk, bread and packed food to the residents of Srinagar. Section 144 is likely to be relaxed on Friday and Eid to allow people to offer prayers. We are waiting for orders,” a senior security forces official told The Quint.
Section 144 was imposed late at night on 4 August, after National Conference vice-President Omar Abdullah and Peoples’ Democratic Party President Mehbooba Mufti were placed under house arrest. Section 144 will continue in the Valley till further orders.
Section 144 bars people from holding any kind of public meetings or rallies and prohibits the assembly of four or more people in one place.
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