Kupwara killings: Legislator, supporters march towards J&K CM residence, detained

Srinagar: Independent legislator from north Kashmir's Kupwara district Sheikh Abdul Rashid was on Tuesday detained along with his supporters as they marched towards Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti's residence here to protest the killings in Handwara.

Rashid and the supporters of his Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) gathered near Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium and marched towards the Chief Minister's residence in the high security Gupkar area, a police official said.

Police swung into action and detained several of them, including Rashid, who reached the entry point to Gupkar Road.

Handwara town in north Kashmir and some adjoining areas have been under curfew-like restrictions since Tuesday last following allegations of molestation of a girl which triggered violence.

Three persons including a woman were killed in firing by security forces on protesters last Tuesday, while two more persons were killed in action by security forces against protesters at Drugmulla and Nathnusa on Wednesday and Friday.

Earlier, Rashid, who represents Langate assembly constituency, said Mehbooba should have shown courage and boycotted the Prime Minister s function at Katra in Jammu today.

"We want to go to Mehbooba's residence and remind her what she used to say when she was not in power but now is playing over dead bodies. If she had some courage, she should not have been there (at the PM s function). She should not have gone to Katra as a mark of protest," Rashid told reporters.

He said the people of Kashmir wanted punishment to the killers of the five people.

"We want to tell Modi that we do not want to listen to your speeches. If you have courage or a little of humanity and if you truly want the people to get justice, then arrest those killers," he said.

The legislator said the removal of bunkers at Handwara was the "victory" of the people but it may not resolve the issue. The camp at Nathnusa too should be removed, he added.