Mosque loudspeakers in J&K incite youth to join 'anti-India jihad'

HIGHLIGHTS

• Pro-Pakistan and anti-India slogans blaring from mosque's loudspeakers incite youth to join 'anti-India jihad'
• Separatists often play readily available audio cassettes in mosques for ‘azadi’ from India through ‘jihad
• Union home minister Rajnath Singh said the Centre was working with the state government to bring normalcy 

 Kashmiri villagers wave Pakistani flags during the funeral procession of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in Tral on Saturday

SRINAGAR: Pro-Pakistan and anti-India slogans blared from loudspeakers at mosques across Kashmir as the death toll from the last two days of violence sparked by Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Muzaffar Wani 's killing climbed to 22. The direct incitement to fight against security forces and fervent appeals to the youths to join "jihad against India" came even as five killings were reported on Sunday and six people succumbed to injuries sustained during clashes on Saturday.

Separatists often play readily available audio cassettes in mosques for 'azadi' from India through 'jihad'.

A senior intelligence officer said that those with Pakistani links keep such material available to flare up anti-India sentiments whenever protests occur in the Valley.

The screams rattled the elderly and the ailing and children were seen covering their ears with their palms. Shops, private offices, business establishments and petrol pumps were shut. Public transport was completely off roads. Universities and boards have postponed their examinations.Union home minister Rajnath Singh said the Centre was working with the state government to bring normalcy to the Valley. J&K government spokesperson Naeem Akhtar also appealed for calm with protesters having attacked 48 police stations since Saturday and even looting weapons from one of the police stations. Three policemen are still missing.

Akhtar said some elements are trying to incite violence in Kashmir and noted it was the duty of parents to prevent their children from holding protests. Mobile internet and train services have been withdrawn in the Valley and the Amarnath Yatra is temporarily suspended with around 10,000 pilgrims stranded.