Killing spree, fear in Kashmir belie govt's normalcy claims: Farooq

Targeted killings of civilians and the pervasive fear among the people in Kashmir belie the government's claims of normalcy, Farooq Abdullah said, alleging the administration has its head in sand.

Targeted killings of civilians and the pervasive fear among the people in Kashmir belie the government's claims of normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir, NC president Farooq Abdullah said Thursday, alleging the administration has its head in sand.

"This ostrich approach will push the situation to a point of no return," said the former J&K chief minister, presiding over a meeting of the National Conference's provincial committee (Kashmir) at Nawa-e-Subah here.

Addressing the meeting, Abdullah reiterated the party's stand to "peacefully fight for restoration of J-K's identity and dignity" an apparent reference to J-K's special status which was revoked by the Centre on August 5, 2019.

The NC president also expressed serious concern over the "deteriorating" security scenario in the valley leading to a series of targeted killings of innocents including members of the minority communities, the party said.

"I unequivocally condemn the brutal killing of Vijay Kumar, a Bank Manager in Kulgam. The killing spree and the pervasive fear among civilians, minorities and other soft targets gives a lie to the claims of the government that everything was Ok in Kashmir," he said.

Abdullah, the Member of Parliament from Srinagar, said, "Our brothers and sisters are being targeted under daylight, but the government has its head in the sand."