Amid the escalating tensions in the aftermath of the post poll alliance, CPI (M) and banned Jamaat-e-Islami have appealed people to maintain peace and avoid engaging in violence.
Addressing a press conference in Jamaat e Islami office in Kulgam, Ghulam Qadir Lone, former senior member of Jamaat-e-Islami said, “People must not engage in violence and hoolganism. We appeal to all the people to maintain peace.”
Speaking to The Kashmiriyat, Mohammed Abbas, general secretary of the party in Kulgam said, “We appeal people to maintain calm and not let the violence spread.”
Tensions had erupted in Bachroo area of Kulgam on Wednesday morning as supporters of rival political candidates clashed following the announcement of CPI(M) candidate Muhammad Yousuf Tarigami’s victory in the Kulgam assembly segment.
As per CPI (M), the unrest began when young boys burst crackers outside the Bachroo area of Kulgam, a village with thick population of Jamaat-e-Islami members, beat five minor boys, who were injured during the assault.
“Ishfaq Javid, Arqan Hilal, Yawar Javid, Furqan Muzaffar and Hamid Abbas, all teenagers, who are residents of Tarigam in Kulgam have been injured after being injured in the clashes,” said Amir, a local resident from Tarigami, Kulgam.
He said that Ishfaq Javid, who was first attacked for bursting crackers, was hospitalised, but has been discharged today.
The Jamaat-e-Islami, however, say that the young boys burst crackers near a graveyard, which triggered tensions. “The claim is totally false, I mean who would burst crackers in a graveyard. This is totally insane and false,” Amir, the local resident told The Kashmiriyat.
Members of Jamaat-e-Islami have said that a youth identified as Mohammed Omar from Bachro village was reportedly injured after being assaulted by Tarigami supporters in Tarigam village.
Another boy namely Farhan Ramzan, who is an associate of Jamaat e Islami also suffered injuries during the clashes. As per reports, he was shifted to SKIMS Soura for medical treatment.
In response to the escalating violence, police intervened and have been largely able to mantain peace in the villages.
A police spokesperson stated, “We are committed to maintaining law and order and will take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of residents.”
Several videos have gone viral on social media, prompting calls for authorities to prevent further escalation.
“We urge the authorities to intervene and restore peace before the situation worsens,” a local resident said.
The Kulgam assembly segment witnessed intense campaigning, culminating in Tarigami’s victory, which sparked celebrations among his supporters while rival factions expressed their dissatisfaction.
Authorities have initiated an investigation into the clashes, with officials assuring that action will be taken against those responsible.
As the situation remains fragile, locals are appealing for calm and restraint, emphasizing the importance of peaceful coexistence. “We need to remember that our community should be united, regardless of political differences,” urged another villager.