Srinagar, June 29: Following the escalation of protests and violence against the unabated killing of youth, the government has directed district magistrates to call Army, if the need arises. The government has already sent a formal request for army help in Varmul district, to control the situation.
 Sources told Greater Kashmir that the district magistrates have been asked that if the situation slips out beyond control “they should contact the Army station commanders based in their respective areas for help.”
 The Jammu and Kashmir government Monday said it might have to call the Army to defuse the law and order situation in the valley.
 “Army help may be sought to defuse the situation in Sopur and Varmul if the circumstances demand,” Public Health Engineering Minister and senior Congress leader Taj Mohi-ud-Din had said.
 After the government gave them the go ahead, the DM Varmul Bashir Ahmed Bhat on Saturday evening sought Army help for controlling the situation.
 The army said that they are prepared for everything if they get orders from government.
 “We are always prepared,” said defence spokesman Lt Col JS Brar.
 Sources said that DM wrote to Army for conducting flag march in the towns of Sopur and Varmul.
 The Army is likely to conduct flag marches in the towns of Varmul and Sopur in late night, sources further said.
 Last year in the month of June, Army had turned down the request of district administration for conducting flag march in Varmul town in the wake of protests against the killings of four youth by paramilitary CRPF troopers and police.

Lastupdate on : Tue, 29 Jun 2010 21:30:00 Mecca time
Lastupdate on : Tue, 29 Jun 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Wed, 30 Jun 2010 00:00:00 IST