Kashmiri Pandits terms stone pelting in valley as 'alternative terror mechanism'

Panun Kashmir, an organisation advocating the cause of displaced Kashmiri Pandits, Tuesday said stone pelting has assumed the status of an "alternative terror mechanism" in the Valley.

Speaking to reporters here, Panun Kashmir chief Ashwani Kumar Chrungoo alleged supporters of this mechanism can be found in every political party in the state.

He also cited the recent death of an Army jawan who was attacked by a group of stone pelters at Anantnag.

"Stone pelting has formally assumed the status of an alternative terror mechanism and its advocates have, unfortunately, made their way into every political party (in Valley)," Chrungoo said.

The Panun Kashmir president also endorsed Army Chief General Bipin Rawat's statement that stone pelters in Jammu and Kashmir were "overground workers of terror groups and should be dealt with sternly".

He appealed the Centre and state Governor to think afresh about the menace of stone pelting and review the policy regarding the same.

(With inputs from agencies.)