A SLIM hope of calm returning to Kashmir appeared to have been dashed last night after a demonstrator was shot dead by security forces and another died of wounds, bringing to 29 the number of people killed during protests in the last five days.
Last night, announcements broadcast from mosques called for new demonstrations. Earlier, it had appeared the deadly cycle of killings and protests that has continued since early June might have been broken when a veteran leader called on protesters to show restraint when taking to the streets in coming days.
Syed Ali Shah Gilani, one of the most hardline of local political figures and perhaps the only one to command widespread authority among the largely teenage crowds who have been defying curfews in recent weeks, appealed for protests to remain peaceful.
In recent days, thousands of youths have thrown rocks at security forces, burned government offices and attacked railway stations and official vehicles. Two government buildings had been set on fire yesterday in the southern town of Shopian.
With a new generation of alienated youth increasingly rejecting the leadership of well-established separatist parties in Kashmir, disputed between India and Pakistan for more than 60 years, the call is a test of Mr Gilani’s power. Both he and the protesters are accused by India of being “agitators” organised and financed by Pakistan.
– (Guardian service)