Cops’ killings cast shadow on polls

VALLEY ON EDGE

SRINAGAR: The abduction and killing of three policemen in south Kashmir’s Shopian early on Friday have vitiated the already tense atmosphere for the upcoming municipal and panchayat elections in the state.

The killings have prompted a double impact: a wave of fear among local special police officers (SPOS), many of whom took to social media to distance themselves from the police department, and more worry among people who have been associated with the local bodies.

“With each passing day, the atmosphere is turning scary. The incidents of violence are continuing, which is really a matter of concern for us,” said Shafiq Mir, president of All J&K Panchayat

A Pdp-bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) coalition government was ruling the state till the latter pulled out of the alliance and the state came under Governor’s Rule in June.

On Thursday, Mufti stressed on the need for dialogue after reports that Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had written a letter to his Indian counterpart seeking a meeting between the foreign ministers of the two countries. “Accepting peace overtures of Pakistan’s PM Imran Khan by agreeing to a meeting between India & Pakistan’s Foreign Ministers is a welcome step...”

The meeting was later called off by India, citing the abduction and killing of three policemen in south Kashmir on Friday as one of the triggers. Late in the evening, Mufti termed the development as “bad news”.