SRINAGAR: In retaliation to militant rocket attack on the security forces post Hathishah locality of this town, the security forces responded by burning down over 55 houses in the area.
Fire tenders were not allowed in enters the Complex and putout flames due to extensive firing by the security forces. They were permitted only after the firing abated; but by then it was too late. Five security personnel forces were injured in the rocket attack, the firing by security forces lasted over two hours. The forces failed to get the militants who launched the rocket attack. A report states that the security forces reaction was more in panic as the militants had cleared out within minutes of the rocket attack; there is a sense of despair in the security force posts located in far flung places like Sopore due to the hostile local population.
In Srinagar strong security measures were undertaken May 2 following reports drat militants planned to bring people out on streets to protests against security forces excesses.
Meanwhile, troop took positions atop hotels and houses in the Lal Chowk area in Srinagar to foil any attempt aimed to create disturbance.
Patrolling has been intensified and road blockades were installed 1 prevent movement of vehicular traffic leading t Lal Chowk. ‘
Elsewhere, the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) party leaders demanded that the central government should start a “meaningful dialogue with seasoned mi and political leaders” to restore peace in the valley.
Sixteen leaders including former ministers and mi of parliaments, met the: governor in Jammu, the winter capital of the strife torn stale, general (Reid) KV. Krishna Rao urging him not to impose any preconditions for such a logue.
Article extracted from this publication >> May 7, 1993
