Stone-throwers’ group threaten attacks in Kashmir

Srinagar 21 December: A little-known Kashmir Sangbaaz League (KSL), a group of stone-throwers that claims wide base, on Friday warned of attacks on security forces’ installations and key government buildings in case Afzal Guru was hanged.
Around 20 media houses received a seven-page statement sent through the courier service of the General Post Office on Friday.
“Lack of resources has forced us to adopt stone-pelting as a weapon of war. We have been fighting with mere stones launched by tender hands and fearless hearts.” reads the statement written in English under the letter-head of KSL with sketch of a masked stone-throwing youth.

Warning against hanging the Parliament attack convict, Afzal Guru, the group said, “Guru was implicated. We promise to unleash upon you in Kashmir in case you hang our brother Guru. Tourists must abstain from visiting Kashmir in case Guru is hanged. They will have to bear serious repercussions.”

The group called upon the youth to use petrol bombs, stones, sticks and all available resources to inflict damage on Indian installations, security forces, mainstream political parties and their supporters.

The group has identified a number of targets in the Valley, which include secretariat and radio stations besides state police’s installations. A number of army interests too have been identified by the group.

“All outsiders in Kashmir, including labourers, employees and beggars must be forced to leave Kashmir,” it said.

It has also asked youth to stay away from police and the army-sponsored programmes like games and musical shows.

The group even warned media houses of dire consequences for distorting the statement.

There has been no official reaction either from the police or the state administration to the statement. The veracity of the statement is being verified by the police.