Srinagar, Mar 12: Stating that the fresh wave of protests in certain parts of the valley were being sponsored from across the border, Director General of Police, Ashok Prasad hinted at possibility of launching a crackdown against separatists issuing protest calendars. He also warned of stern action against the stone-pelters.
DGP said the government mulls slapping Public Safety Act (PSA) against hardcore separatist leaders “who instigate people for protests” and as also against the stone throwers.
“We don’t deny the fact that every individual has the right to peaceful protests in a democracy, but that does not mean we should allow anybody to violate the constitutional rights and create law and order problems”, Prasad told a local KNS. He said driving people to hardships by issuing ‘reckless’ protest calendars can’t be tolerated anymore and those involved in such acts “will have to face the music.” “We can’t allow anyone to put people to inconvenience”, DGP said adding that 99 percent people don’t want disturbance to prevail in the valley. He claimed that the fresh wave of protests in certain parts of the valley were being sponsored from across the border.
“We have a very promising tourist season ahead. More than 30 flights shall be operating daily from Srinagar Airport next week onwards. Our schools have reopened and it is time to allow our children their schooling”, said Prasad and added that areas in downtown Srinagar are the worst hit in the prevailing conditions.
Stating that putting restrictions and curfews in downtown along with other towns was a compulsion for the administration, Prasad said the government won’t tolerate people promoting disturbances.
“Almost 500 policemen have sustained injuries by showing restraint in their action against stone-pelters, only to safeguard life and property of public, but people must realize that they (policemen) are also humans and how long can they continue to be patient,” DGP said. He however added that protecting the life and property of people was the duty of the men in uniform.
“JKP was busy tackling militancy for the past 20 years and had very little time to look after the law and order issues. But after 2008 agitation, it has undergone huge transformation vis-a-vis, techniques, equipments and their resolve to deal with law and order crises”, DGP said.
The Police Chief asked parents to dissuade their children from pelting stones. He said the arrest spree would continue until police was convinced that everything was back on the track. He also claimed that many people were approaching administration to impose curfew on Fridays to avoid loss of life and property. KNS

Lastupdate on : Tue, 12 Mar 2013 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Tue, 12 Mar 2013 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Wed, 13 Mar 2013 00:00:00 IST