Indian army deployed in protest-hit districts of Kashmir

• Pakistan a friend, India occupying force, says Geelani

For the first time since 2014, the Indian Army on Friday took up positions in rural areas of four South Kashmir districts of Pulwama, Shopian, Kulgam and Anantnag, which witnessed the bulk of protests in the last two months, accounting for more than 90 deaths.

Indian Army Chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag reviewed the security situation in the four affected districts, asking Jawans to remain vigilant towards the needs of the administration seeking to regain order after weeks of violence and protests that left thousands of people wounded.

Sources said authorities are contemplating clamping down on protesters and rioters across the valley with both the state and centre, in consultation with each other, deciding on redeploying troops in rural areas from where they were removed during the last two years.

Meanwhile, separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani alleged that Indian government has prepared a “kill list” of Kashmiri leaders, civil society members and activists as tensions continue to simmer in the Valley.

In a letter, Geelani said Kashmir was “occupied” by India and said the current unrest in the Valley had provided a powerful push towards “freedom”.

“Never before have we been so close to freedom with such clarity as we are now,” the letter said, released after his scheduled press conference was restricted by authorities.

Police did not allow any journalist, photographer and television cameramen to proceed towards Geelani’s house.

“I don’t know why the press conference was not allowed, decision must have been taken at the district administration level. If his statement has anything anti-national, anything against the law, it will attract action,” said state director general of police K Rajendra Kumar.

Geelani’s comments came after more than two months of violence following the killing of insurgent leader Burhan Wani. At least 90 people have been killed in clashes with security forces.

Geelani described the ongoing turmoil as a “people’s resistance”. “We have no resources. We have no army. We have no media. But our greatest strength is our truth, unity and our determination to free ourselves.” he wrote.

Geelani described how Kashmiris have been killed, maimed and blinded in the ongoing turmoil and how different sections of professionals have sacrificed their livelihoods to support the “struggle”.

“The current phase of the freedom struggle has provided a powerful push towards our goal of freedom, which is very much in sight,” he wrote.

He also thanked Pakistan for being a “friend” and “well wisher”.

“Pakistan and its people shared our pain and raised their voice in our support. Pakistan and its people have taken an ethical stand to support our struggle morally, politically and diplomatically,” the letter added.

He also thanked China, Norway, Saudi Arabia, New Zealand, Iran, Turkey and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).