Condemnation, protests in Srinagar after targeted killings

Srinagar, October 10

Condemnation, condolences and protests against the murders of famous pharmacy owner ML Bindroo continued on Sunday in Srinagar.

Three days ago, a largely attended candlelight protest was held at the Lal Chowk city centre. The participants, including elected municipal councillors, termed their protest ‘Akhir Kab Tak’ (How long will such madness continue).

Bindroo’s killing sparked fear and consternation among scores of Kashmiri Pandits who had continued to live in the Valley even after most of their community members migrated out in early 1990s.

Dozens of Kashmiri Pandits in government service, as teachers across the Valley and in other offices, were asked not to move out of their secured pooled accommodations till they hear from the authorities. The fear of the Pandit community got redoubled when just two days later, terrorists killed a female Sikh school principal, Supinder Kaur, and a Hindu teacher, Deepak Chand, in Eidgah area of Srinagar.

Office bearers of the Shiromani Gurdawara Parbandhak Committee said no Sikh government employee in the Valley would attend duties unless assured of protection by the authorities. Former CMs, religious leaders and other prominent persons continued to visit Supinder Kaur’s residence to express condolences and show solidarity with the family. According to reports, some Kashmiri Pandit families, who were staying inside secured accommodations, had already left the Valley. — IANS