Kashmir unrest: Army Chief Gen. Dalbir Singh to take stock of situation in Valley

Srinagar, July 20 (ANI): In the wake of the violent situation in the Valley spiraling out of control day-by-day following the death of slain Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani, Indian Army Chief General Dalbir Singh will visit Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday to take stock of the situation. Several civilians so far have lost their lives and several people sustained injuries after clashing with security forces in the state. The death toll climbed to 42 after a woman who had sustained grievous injuries at Qazigund on Monday succumbed in hospital early morning yesterday. However, the Indian Army yesterday expressed regret over the death of civilians in Qazigund and ordered a probe in the matter. Expressing grief over the loss of life and injuries sustained by the protesters, the Army appealed to the people of the Valley to maintain peace and refrain from attacking security forces or their vehicles or establishments, thus creating situations where they are left with no option but to retaliate in self defence. On Monday, a 10 day curfew was imposed by the state government and 20 additional troops of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were deployed by the centre to maintain law and order in the state. All mobile phone services, excluding BSNL, trains and internet services continue to remain suspended. According to reports, several newspapers were banned from publishing for three days; however Information and Broadcasting Minister Venkaiah Naidu and Chief Minister Mehbooba mufti categorically denied the claim stating that no such decision was made. Meanwhile owners and editors of newspapers in Kashmir on Tuesday reportedly decided not to publish as mark of protest against the Chief Minister for refusing to own the 'ban order'. The incidents of violence continue to crop up despite the Centre and Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti urging the people to maintain calm and cooperate with the state government to restore peace in the valley. (ANI)