1500 Cops Killed in Kashmir in 2 Decades

Srinagar, June 22: At least 1,500 policeman and officers have been killed in two decades of violence in Indian administered Kashmir, a senior minister said.

“More than 1,500 policemen were killed in militancy related incidents in Kashmir during the past two decades. Over 16,000 policemen and officers were also injured during the turmoil,” said Minister of State for Home Nasir Aslam Wani told the media on the sidelines of a function here.

He also said more than 3,000 policemen were injured in Kashmir during the five-month long summer unrest last year.

The minister said Kashmir government is hopeful of peaceful summer ahead. “So far the situation has been normal and we are expecting peace to prevail so that we have peaceful summers,” he said.

He said the sacrifices of the policemen and officers have helped normalize the situation in Kashmir. “It is due to their sacrifices that people in the region are living in an atmosphere free of fear,” he added.

Fayaz Wani

Fayaz Wani reports on life in Srinagar, Kashmir.