The Union home ministry recorded 1,261 cases of stone pelting in J&K in 2017. While Bhat’s defection to militancy makes it the second case after an Indian army soldier allegedly joined the Hizbul Mujahideen last month, experts conclude that the increasing spate of intellectuals joining militancy and rising cases of stone pelting were linked to rising discontent in Kashmir. The government needs to pay attention to detail, if it hopes to stop the ongoing violence,” said Gul Mohammad Wani, professor of political science at Kashmir University. Mufti has called an all party meeting of political parties on Wednesday to discuss the situation in the Kashmir valley. “Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti is convening an all party meeting in Srinagar tomorrow to discuss the prevailing situation with political parties across the board,” an official spokesperson said.

Source: Mint May 08, 2018 15:22 UTC