Kashmir killings: Over 400 people detained, 40 teachers also summoned

Taking serious note of the killings, the Central government has sent senior officers of the investigating agencies to the Valley where they will give instructions on counter-insurgency operations and work out plans to stop the killings.

Srinagar: Police and the NIA have reportedly summoned 40 teachers from various schools in Srinagar for questioning in connection with the killings. Sources said that the investigation into these deaths is being handed over to the NIA.

Hundreds of suspects have been arrested in the Kashmir Valley following the killing of five civilians last week. According to reports, police and other security agencies in different districts of the valley have arrested more than 400 suspects and are questioning them about the recent killings.

The detainees are said to be linked to the Jamaat-e-Islami and Tehreek-e-Hurriyat, while most are suspected supporters of the militants. Unidentified militants killed seven people in the city of Srinagar in recent times, including four Hindus and a Sikh. The dead included two government teachers, Deepak Chand, Satinder Kaur, renowned pharmacist Makhan Lal Bindroo, Muhammad Shafi Lone of Bandipora and Virender Paswan, a non-local street vendor.

Taking serious note of the killings, the Central government has sent senior officers of the investigating agencies to the Valley where they will give instructions on counter-insurgency operations and work out plans to stop the killings.

Sources said that after the killing of members of the minority community in the Valley, the central government has directed the Jammu and Kashmir Police and other security forces and agencies to expedite operations against militant organizations.