NPP condemns Budgam incident, hits out at Mehbooba Mufti

Srinagar/New Delhi [India], Mar. 29 (ANI): Condemning the recent Budgam encounter, the National Panthers Party (NPP) on Wednesday criticised Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and ¬said imposing Governor rule appears to be the only option before the administration. "Nothing new in it, it is happening ever since the death of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed. The present chief minister and her government have failed in totality. There is no governance in Jammu and Kashmir. Governor's rule is the only solution only resolution at this moment," NPP leader Bhim Singh told ANI. Meanwhile, People's Democratic Party (PDP) leader Nazir Ahmad Khan also criticised the incident, saying the party is striving to maintain peace in the Valley. "It is unfortunate that the situation is not under control. We can just pray that these incidents don't occur," Khan told ANI. Three stone pelters were killed in retaliatory firing by security forces in Budgam yesterday. At least 17 stone pelters were injured in the firing by forces. The security forces had launched a search operation following a tipoff about the presence of terrorists, which then became an encounter. Meanwhile, railway services will remain suspended throughout Kashmir today in the wake of the volatile situation. The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has made a fervent appeal to locals of the valley not to obstruct security forces while they are combat terrorists. Sources have held Pakistan responsible for the Budgam violence. (ANI)