India deploys army to quell Held Kashmir unrest

SRINAGAR: India deployed soldiers on the streets of Indian-held Kashmir on Friday to restore order, witnesses said, as three more pro-independence demonstrators were shot dead by security forces.

While some Indian officials had called for easing harsh security laws as a goodwill gesture, a top state official said on Friday that the government would use all its powers to restore order. “The government has to assert its writ, and appeasement will not work. We’ll take every legal measure to stop the protests now,” said Taj Mohiudin, an influential cabinet minister in the state government.

Troops were spotted on a key road in Srinagar that leads to the high-security airport, while residents reported seeing soldiers in central Budgam and northern Baramulla villages. Army deployment is likely to further anger locals and separatists who resent any move that heightens the sense of occupation in the disputed region.

“All repressive measures are being used to quell and crush the resistance movement,” said Mirwaiz Umar Farooq. “This is India’s last resort. ...What we’ve been repeatedly saying should now be clear to all, that this place is under martial law.”

The army declined to comment on the deployment when contacted, but it was believed to be part of a new strategy drafted by police, paramilitary and army forces on Wednesday to restore order. It appealed to Kashmiris to withdraw plans to protest outside garrisons next week. Syed Ali Shah Geelani, leader of All-Parties Hurriyat Conference, had called for “peaceful sit-in protests” on Tuesday outside army camps across Kashmir.