In occupied Kashmir, the veteran Hurriyet leader, Syed Ali Gilani, has castigated the authorities for deploying Indian army in Badgam saying that miscreants and secret hands are trying to fuel sectarian discard among the Muslims in the area.

Syed Ali Gilani in a statement issued in Srinagar termed the deployment of the army as a politically motivated move. He questioned the role of the police and expressed surprise at its inability to handle the situation. “The police acts swiftly when people take to the streets to demand freedom. It (deployment of the Army) is politically motivated and in no way acceptable,” he said.

The veteran leader said that the reason behind the situation turning worse was that on such occasions pro-India politicians worked for their vote bank interest.

Syed Ali Gilani said that the Kashmiris were famous for mutual brotherhood and religious tolerance. “We must protect this unique identity at all costs,” he added.

It is to mention here that following sectarian clashes, Indian troops have held marches in several villages of Badgam since Wednesday night. The Army also held a flag march in Badgam town, where police and paramilitary personnel had been deployed in strength.