Pakistan could be behind protests in Kashmir, says Centre as separatists extend strike till Wednesday

The Centre on Monday said that Pakistan may be behind the violent protests in Kashmir Valley as it called for a sensitive handling of the situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

New Delhi: The Central government on Monday said that Pakistan may be behind the violent protests in Kashmir Valley as it called for a sensitive handling of the situation in Jammu and Kashmir in the aftermath of terrorist Burhan Wani's killing by security forces.

Pakistan could be responsible for protests in Kashmir, MoS PMO Jitendra Singh was quoted as saying by CNN-News18.

The remarks from Singh came shortly after Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh reached out to the Opposition leaders including Sonia Gandhi to build a political consensus over spiralling situation in J&K.

Sources said security forces and central para military forces were asked to exercise restraint and use minimum force against those protesting the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani.

Attempts were also made to reach out to unemployed young men and teenagers who were earlier found involved in stone-pelting.

The state government also tried to contact parents asking them tio convince their children not to take part in the protests for the third day.

In telephone conversations with Congress chief Sonia Gandhi and National Conference leader Omar Abdullah, Rajnath discussed efforts being taken to bring back peace and normalcy in the Valley.

The Home Minister's discussions with Gandhi and Omar, who ruled Jammu and Kashmir between 2009 and 2015, are believed to be an attempt by the central government to take opposition leaders into confidence.

Meanwhile, the separatists have extended the strike issued till Monday to July 13 expressing anguish over the killing of civilians in the past three days.

In a joint statement, chairman Hurriyat (G), Syed Ali Geelani, chairman Hurriyat (M), Mirwaiz Molvi Umar Farooq and Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front chief Yasin Malik gave a call to extend the strike till Wednesday.