Kashmir unrest: Army expresses regret over Qazigund firing, orders probe

Srinagar, July 19 (ANI): The Indian Army on Tuesday issued a statement expressing regret over the firing in south Kashmir's Qazigund area, in which three people, including two people were killed and ordered an inquiry into the incident. "The Army deeply regrets, the unfortunate loss of life in the incident at Churat, Qazigund where the troops were forced to open fire yesterday, when a large mob turned violent resorting to heavy stone pelting and attempted to snatch weapons from the soldiers," the statement said. 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. "The Army also pledges to provide all possible assistance to the bereaved families and to the persons injured in the unfortunate incident. An inquiry has been ordered into the incident," the statement added. The death toll climbed to 42 after a woman who had sustained grievous injuries at Qazigund on Monday succumbed in hospital early morning today. Earlier, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti had warned security forces against using excessive force against protestors, after thousands took to streets after Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani was killed by Indian forces. Meanwhile, the curfew imposed in the valley in wake of the protest continued for the eleventh consecutive day. The life in the Valley remained paralysed after Wani's killing, due to strike called by the separatists and curfew-like restrictions imposed by the authorities. The incidents of violence continue to crop up despite the Centre and Chief Minister Mufti urging the people to maintain calm and cooperate with the state government to restore peace in the valley. After Burhan's death, Kashmir is on boil and more than 40 people have been killed and over 3,000 including 1,600 civilians injured in clashes between youth and security men during protests. (ANI)