Guilty in Handwara unrest shall be punished: Parrikar to Mehbooba

Condemning the recent clash between security forces and civilians in Handwara in Jammu and Kashmir which led to the death of two youths, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday said that she had spoken to Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and had been assured that the guilty will not be spared.

Speaking to ANI after meeting with Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu here, Mufti said that the incidence of violence was unfortunate indeed and should never have happened.

"I spoke to Lt General DS Hooda and Defence Minister Parrikar and they have assured me that an enquiry has been set in place and that those responsible will be punished. The family of the victims will also be compensated," she added.

Earlier, during here meeting with Naidu, the Chief Minister conveyed him that she wants certain cities in Jammu and Kashmir to be considered the schemes by the Centre and want them to be developed like the 'Smart Cities'.

"There are some cities in Jammu and Kashmir that are old and have a history of their own like Srinagar and Jammu. We want them to be developed like the smart cities. In my meeting now, I discussed issues like housing, drainage and waste management, for which the central government has many good schemes," Mufti told ANI.

She added that she wants the state to also receive the benefits from the Central schemes.

Earlier, violent protests broke out in Handwara after charges were made against an Army man of allegedly molesting a local girl.

A mob of angry locals took to the streets and tried to set a security picket afire. The J-K Police along with the Army opened fire on the protesters as the agitation turned violent.

Separatists have called for a shutdown today condemning the death of the two civilians.