Faceless protest leadership in Kashmir poses a major challenge: Centre

Before an all-party delegation left for Kashmir, the government had informed it that one of the major challenges before them was the unidentifiable leadership of the protests and the growing radicalisation of local youths.
A note circulated among the members of the team also admitted that infiltration attempts from Pakistan continued to take place and that in as many as 63 protests anti-India and pro-Pakistan slogans were raised.
The unrest in the Valley has claimed lives of 75 civilians and two security forces personnel. The first week of the turmoil registered maximum number of casualties when 33 civilians and one security personnel were killed.
The government has told the all-party delegation that social media and rumours have been used as a tool to instigate the youth to lead and mobilise violent mobs. Parts of Kashmir have witnessed radicalised youth pelting stones at security forces, the government told the delegation members.
It claimed that armed militants were also mixing with the protesters and using the opportunity to address rallies. “Militants (area) using cover of such agitating mobs. (They) Have sometimes been firing at security forces and lobbing grenades thereby provoking them to retaliate,” the note says.
From July 8 to September 2, 1,649 incidents were reported that deteriorated the law and order situation in the Valley. During the turmoil, 6,298 civilians were wounded out of which 6,181 have been treated and discharged, while 117 are still in hospitals. Six people have lost complete vision as an outcome of pellet injuries.
As many as 5,365 security personnel were injured in the clashes and 31 government establishments were set on fire.