Indian government deploys army in Kashmir's worst-hit districts

The government of India on Friday (9 September) deployed the army in rural regions of Pulwama, Shopian, Kulgam and Anantnag — the worst-hit South Kashmir districts. These areas witnessed the maximum deaths, believed to be over 70, in the Valley that has been boiling since the death of separatist militant leader Burhan Wani on 8 July.

According to a report by the Times of India, Army chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag arrived in the north Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir on 9 September to review the situation as there were high chances of another round of protests flaring up. The separatists have called for a UN chalo (march) on 13 September on the occasion of Eid — a festival celebrated by Muslims.

"The chief reviewed the security situation and collaborative measures of security forces towards ensuring peace and calm in the state," Colonel NN Joshi, defence spokesman at Srinagar, said.

According to reports, the army will also be providing support and collaboration to local police and paramilitary forces to maintain the law and order in the Valley as there have been reports of militants stoking tensions. Another strategy of the army would be to isolate militants so as to have better crowd control, sources told Indian publication DNA.

Authorities may also suspend mobile and internet services across the region in view of the protest calendar issued by the separatists.

"There will be no uniform strategy. We shall form the strategy which will be dynamic because causes of unrest in different areas vary. So the strategy will also vary according to needs," a senior officer said.