Mobile internet services banned across Kashmir after Protests Over Handwara

Srinagar: The death of a young cricketer and three others in firing by security forces in Handwara and Kupwara, led the people angry. The curfew was imposed in many parts of the city and the mobile internet services have been suspended in the Kashmir valley to check the spread of rumours, officials said.

Services were unavailable to subscribers in Kupwara, Baramulla, Bandipora and Ganderbal districts on Thursday morning. Officials said the suspension was a temporary measure and services would be reinforce, as soon as the situation becomes normal.

The protests erupted after locals alleged that a soldier had tried to molest a school girl in Handwara town.

However the Army rubbished claims of molestation by any of its personnel and asserted that the allegations were made to malign the image of the force.

Army PRO Lieutenant Colonel NN Joshi said. “The video that we have released shows that there was no molestation. It is a malafide intent by some elements to malign the good image of Army. We have ordered a probe into the incident and if anybody is found guilty, they will have to face severe action.”

Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti warned the shootings would have a ‘negative impact’ on her government’s efforts to promote peace in the region. “Such incidents should not happen in the future. The families of the victims will be compensated,” she said.