2016–2017 Kashmir unrest
The 2016–2017 unrest in Kashmir, also known as the Burhan aftermath, refers to protests in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, chiefly in the Kashmir Valley. It started after the killing of militan leader Burhan Wani by Indian security forces on 8 July 2016. Wani was a commander of the Kashmir-based Islamist militant organisation Hizbul Mujahideen.
2016–2017 Kashmir unrest | |||
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Part of the Kashmir conflict | |||
Kashmiri youths throwing stones at security personnel | |||
Date | 8 July 2016 – February 2017 | ||
Location | |||
Caused by |
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Goals |
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Methods | Protests Mob violence Stone-pelting General strikes | ||
Parties | |||
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Lead figures | |||
Narendra Modi (Prime Minister of India) Syed Ali Shah Geelani (Chairman of All Hurriyat Parties Conference) | |||
Casualties and losses | |||
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8,587 arrested 1,000+ detained |
Curfew was imposed in all 10 districts of the valley on 15 July and mobile services were suspended. Protests started in all 10 districts of the Kashmir Valley. Protesters defied curfew with attacks on security forces and public properties. Kashmir valley then remained under 53 consecutive days of curfew. The curfew was lifted on 31 August, but was reimposed in some areas the next day.
Jammu and Kashmir police and Indian paramilitary forces used pellet guns, tear gas shells, rubber bullets, as well as assault rifles. More than 90 civilians were killed and over 15,000 civilians were injured, including many who were blinded by pellet guns. Two security personnel died and over 4,000 were injured.
Columnists including Prem Shankar Jha termed the unrest as Kashmir's Intifada.