2010 Kashmir unrest

2025-10-06T14:26:16Z

49.36.49.93:

{{Short description|Series of violent protests and unrest in Jammu and Kashmir, India}}
{{Use Indian English|date=September 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2020}}
{{Infobox protest
| title = 2010 Kashmir unrest
| image = Kashmir Division in Greater Kashmir.svg
| image_size = 250px
| caption = The Muslim-majority [[Kashmir Valley]], situated in [[Kashmir Division]] (colored in red) of [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|Jammu and Kashmir]], India, was the primary region where protests, strikes, and stone-pelting took place.
| date = June – September 2010
| place = [[Kashmir Division, Jammu and Kashmir]]
| goals = <ul>
<li>Removal of [[Armed Forces Special Powers Act]] (AFSPA)</li>
<li>Self-determination</li>
<li>Political freedom</li>
</ul>
| methods = <ul>
<li>Demonstrations</li>
<li>Strikes</li>
<li>Civil disobedience</li>
<li>Clashes with security forces</li>
</ul>
| leadfigures1 = <ul>
<li>[[Syed Ali Shah Geelani]] ([[Hurriyat Conference]] leader)</li>
<li>[[Mirwaiz Umar Farooq]] ([[Hurriyat Conference]] leader)</li>
</ul>
| leadfigures2 = <ul>
<li>Indian government officials</li>
</ul>
| injuries = <ul>
<li>Numerous injuries reported among protesters and security personnel</li>
</ul>
| fatalities = <ul>
<li>112<ref>{{Cite web |title=One year on, Tufail Mattoo's family still awaits justice |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/one-year-on-tufail-mattoos-family-still-awaits-justice-458285 |access-date=2024-12-21 |website=NDTV.com}}</ref> (mostly protesters)</li>
</ul>
| causes = <ul>
<li>Death of Tufail Ahmad Mattoo<ref name="NYT2010">{{cite news | last=Yardley | first=Jim | title=A Youth's Death in Kashmir Renews a Familiar Pattern of Crisis | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/12/world/asia/12kashmir.html | newspaper=The New York Times | date=2010-07-11 | quote=In 2008 Kashmiris voted in record numbers, which many took as a sign that the separatist urge had faded. A new state government led by the fresh-faced scion of Kashmir’s best-known political family took the reins. Hope for a new era was in the air. But Mr. Mattoo’s death and its chaotic aftermath have laid bare Kashmir’s inner turmoil.}}</ref></li>
<li>[[2010 Machil encounter]],<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bukhari |first=Parvaiz |date=2010-09-22 |title=Kashmir 2010: The Year of Killing Youth |url=https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/kashmir-2010-year-killing-youth/ |access-date=2024-12-21 |quote=This summer’s troubles began in May, when soldiers killed three villagers in the frontier area of Kalaroos, near the heavily militarized de facto border.|issn=0027-8378}}</ref></li>
<li>Alleged human rights abuses by security forces</li>
</ul>
}}

The '''2010 Kashmir unrest''' was a series of violent protests and riots in parts of [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|Jammu and Kashmir]], India. It began in June 2010 after the [[Indian Army]] claimed to have killed three Pakistani infiltrators.<ref name="Outlook">{{cite web |date=30 April 2010 |title=Three Militants Killed As Army Foils Infiltration Bid |url=http://news.outlookindia.com/item.aspx?680686 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715024500/http://news.outlookindia.com/item.aspx?680686 |archive-date=15 July 2011 |access-date=11 August 2010 |publisher=[[Outlook (Indian magazine)|Outlook]]}}</ref> However, it was later revealed that three young men from Nadihal village in Baramulla district were killed in a staged encounter at Sona Pindi by a soldier of the Territorial Army, a counter-insurgent, and a former special police officer.<ref>{{cite news |date=29 May 2010 |title=Fake encounter at LoC: 3 arrested, probe ordered |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/fake-encounter-at-loc-3-arrested-probe-ordered/626105/ |access-date=6 June 2012 |work=Indian Express}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2014-11-13 |title=J&K's Machil fake encounter case: 5 Armymen get life term for killing 3 youths |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/jks-machil-fake-encounter-case-5-armymen-get-life-term-for-killing-3-youths/articleshow/45136154.cms |access-date=2024-12-22 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> This incident, later known as the [[2010 Machil encounter|Machil fake encounter]], sparked outrage across the region, contributing to the violent protests that followed.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Protests claim more lives |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2010/9/18/kashmir-protests-claim-more-lives |access-date=2024-12-22 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref>

The protests were initially led by separatist leaders from the [[All Parties Hurriyat Conference|All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC)]], including [[Syed Ali Shah Geelani]] and [[Mirwaiz Umar Farooq]], who called for the complete demilitarisation of Jammu and Kashmir. The APHC also condemned the human rights abuses allegedly committed by security forces in the region and called for a general strike to demand justice and accountability.<ref>[http://www.kashmirobserver.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4863:hurriyat-g-launches-quit-kashmir-stir-with-hartal&catid=15:top-news&Itemid=2 Hurriyat (G) Launches 'Quit Kashmir' Stir With Hartal] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130523101719/http://www.kashmirobserver.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4863%3Ahurriyat-g-launches-quit-kashmir-stir-with-hartal&catid=15%3Atop-news&Itemid=2 |date=23 May 2013 }}</ref> Protesters, predominantly youth, defied curfews and restrictions, shouting pro-independence slogans, burning police vehicles, and targeting government buildings.<ref name="nyt20100911">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/12/world/asia/12kashmir.html|title=Buildings Are Set Ablaze During Protests in Kashmir|date=11 September 2010|work=The New York Times|access-date=28 September 2010|first1=Jim|last1=Yardley|first2=Hari|last2=Kumar| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130430033126/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/12/world/asia/12kashmir.html| archive-date=30 April 2013| url-status= live}}</ref><ref name="nyt20100804">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/05/world/asia/05kashmir.html|title=Kashmiris Storm the Street, Defying Curfew|last=Pohlgren|first=Lydia|date=4 August 2010|work=The New York Times|access-date=23 September 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110209054737/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/05/world/asia/05kashmir.html| archive-date=9 February 2011| url-status= live}}</ref> The unrest further escalated following the death of 17-year-old student Tufail Mattoo, whose killing by security forces sparked widespread protests.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-06-12 |title=10 years of Tufail Mattoo's death and his father's fight for justice |url=https://kashmirreader.com/2020/06/12/10-years-of-tufail-mattoos-death-and-his-fathers-fight-for-justice/ |access-date=2024-12-21 |website=Kashmir Reader |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=One year on, Tufail Mattoo's family still awaits justice |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/one-year-on-tufail-mattoos-family-still-awaits-justice-458285 |access-date=2024-12-21 |website=NDTV.com}}</ref> The riot police consisting of Jammu and Kashmir Police and Indian Para-military forces fired teargas shells rubber bullets and also live ammunition on the protesters, resulting in 117 deaths, including many teenagers and an 11-year-old boy.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.english.rfi.fr/africa/20100831-protests-intensify-after-11-year-old-killed|title=Kashmir protests to intensify after 11-year-old killed|date=31 August 2010|publisher=[[Radio France Internationale|RFI]]|access-date=6 June 2012}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=One year on, Tufail Mattoo's family still awaits justice |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/one-year-on-tufail-mattoos-family-still-awaits-justice-458285 |access-date=2024-12-22 |website=NDTV.com}}</ref> The protests subsided after the Indian government announced a package of measures aimed at defusing the tensions in September 2010.<ref name="Reuters20100930">{{cite news|url=http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-51833120100929|title=India to free protesters in Kashmir peace move|date=30 September 2010|publisher=Reuters|access-date=29 September 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101002014735/http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-51833120100929| archive-date= 2 October 2010 | url-status= dead}}</ref><ref name="HT20110220" />

==Background==
{{See also|Insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir|Kashmir conflict}}
On 30 April 2010, the [[Indian Army]] claimed to have foiled an infiltration bid from across the [[Line of Control]], at Machil Sector in [[Kupwara]] district of Jammu and Kashmir by killing three armed militants from Pakistan.<ref name="Outlook" /> However, it was subsequently established that the [[encounter killings by police|encounter]] had been staged and that the three alleged militants were in fact civilians of Rafiabad area, who had been lured to the army camp by promising them jobs as "porters" for the Army, and then shot in cold blood, in order to claim a cash award.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/fake-encounter-at-loc-3-arrested-probe-ordered/626105/|title=Fake encounter at LoC: 3 arrested, probe ordered|work=[[The Indian Express]]|date=29 May 2010| access-date= 11 August 2010 }}</ref>

On 11 June, there were protests against these killings in the downtown area of Srinagar. Police used massive force to disperse the protesting youth during which a teargas bullet killed a seventeen-year-old Tufail Ahmad Mattoo who participated in the protest. Stadium.<ref>[http://www.countercurrents.org/malik140610.htm Serial Killings Of Teenaged Boys In Police Action Cause Anguish, Fear Psychosis Among Parents]</ref> Several protest marches were organised across the Valley in response to the killings which turned violent.<ref>[http://www.sacw.net/article1519.html Citizens Appeal on Kashmir (9 July 2010)]</ref>{{unreliable source?|date=August 2012}} Thereafter a vicious circle was set, killing of a boy was followed by protest demonstrations and clashes with police and CRPF in which another boy was killed which led to another protest by the boys till several youth lost their lives.<ref>{{cite news |last=Rafiq |first=Zahid |title=Casualties of Kashmir's Unrest Live in the Dark |url=https://archive.nytimes.com/india.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/11/25/casualties-of-kashmirs-unrest-live-in-the-dark/ |access-date=29 August 2022 |work=India Ink |publisher=[[The New York Times]] |date=25 November 2013 |language=en}}</ref> Official figures reveal around 110 people have lost their lives and 537 civilians were injured during stone-pelting incidents from May to 21 September 2010. Around 1,274 CRPF men and 2,747 police personnel were injured during the same period across the valley.<ref name="dnaindia1">[http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_stone-pelting-in-kashmir-was-a-joint-exercise_1505671 Stone-pelting in Kashmir was a 'joint' exercise – India – DNA]. Dnaindia.com. Retrieved on 12 July 2013.</ref>

[[List of Indian intelligence agencies|Indian intelligence agencies]] claimed that these protests and demonstrations were part of covert operations of Pakistani intelligence agencies and were sponsored and supported from them. Media reports earlier in march had suggested that with the support of its intelligence agencies Pakistan has been once again 'boosting' Kashmir militants and recruitment of 'martyrs' in Pakistani state of [[Punjab (Pakistan)|Punjab]].<ref name=BBC1>[https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4416771.stm Why Pakistan is 'boosting Kashmir militants'], [[BBC]], 3 March 2010</ref> It was reported that in a meeting held in [[Muzaffarabad]] in mid January 2010 which was chaired by former [[Inter-Services Intelligence]] chief [[Hamid Gul]], [[United Jihad Council]] called for reinvigorated [[jihad]] until Kashmir was free of "Indian occupation".<ref name=BBC1/> In May 2010 increased activities of militants was reported from across the border in [[Kishanganga/Neelum River#Neelum Valley|Neelum valley]] in Pakistani-administered [[Gilgit-Baltistan]]. The locals reported that large numbers of militants had set up camps in the area with plans of crossing into the [[Kashmir Valley|Kashmir valley]], and they did not appear to be Kashmiri.<ref name="bbc05142010">{{cite news|title= Kashmir militants 'regrouping' in Pakistan|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8683367.stm|publisher=BBC|access-date=14 May 2010 | date=14 May 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100517042230/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8683367.stm| archive-date= 17 May 2010 | url-status= live}}</ref>

==Demands of protesters==
The erstwhile undivided state of Jammu and Kashmir is the largest militarised territorial dispute.<ref>[http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/records-6000/largest-militarized-territorial-dispute/ Explore Official World Records]. Guinness World Records. Retrieved on 12 July 2013.</ref> Around 700,000 –1,000,000 {{unreliable source?|date=March 2013}} Indian troops and paramilitaries station permanently in the state with a population of 14 million.<ref name="Time20100821">{{cite news|url=http://www.time.com/time/printout/0,8816,2011808,00.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130204174137/http://www.time.com/time/printout/0,8816,2011808,00.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=4 February 2013|title=Kashmir's New Warriors|date=21 August 2010|publisher=[[TIME]]|access-date=28 September 2010}}</ref> Protesters demanded that the number of troops in the state of Jammu and Kashmir be reduced. In addition protesters shouted pro-independence slogans demanding Indian forces 'Quit Kashmir'.<ref name="nyt20100804"/>

==Violent protest and riots==
{{Quote box|width=20em|align=right|"(We) have decided to register a criminal case against Omar Abdullah(CM) and Ashiq Bukhari(SP) for the innocent killings of 2010 and will try to bring the murderers of the innocent students to justice."|source=Hurriyat(G)<ref name="indianexpress.com">{{Cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/hurriyat-files-case-against-omar-former-ssp/|title=Hurriyat files case against Omar, former SSP|date=18 March 2015}}</ref>}}

On 11 June, Tufail Ahmad Mattoo a 17-year-old student, who was there to protest "peacefully" against atrocities was killed after being hit in the head by a tear gas shell. His death proved to be a catalyst and subsequently stone throwing mobs confronted the police almost daily. A vicious cycle was initiated, killing of a person was followed by demonstrations and clashes with police and [[Central Reserve Police Force]] in which another person was killed which led to another protest till more lost their lives and hundreds of security personnel were injured in riots.<ref name="nyt20100711">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/12/world/asia/12kashmir.html|title=A Youth's Death in Kashmir Renews a Familiar Pattern of Crisis|last=Polgreen|first=Lydia|date=11 July 2010|work=The New York Times|access-date=23 September 2010}}</ref><ref name="guard08132010">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/aug/13/kashmir-protests-killed-ramadan | location=London | work=The Guardian | title=Kashmir protests erupt into violence after government troops kill four | date=13 August 2010| access-date= 8 March 2011 }}</ref>

===Stone pelting===
The mob pelted stones and bricks at the riot police and in response the Indian forces used tear gas, rubber bullets and in some cases live ammunition resulting in death of some of the unarmed protestors.<ref name="guardian20110912">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/sep/12/kashmir-curfews-protests-srinagar|title=Kashmir curfews fail to deter protests|work=[[The Guardian]]|access-date=9 March 2011|location=London|date=12 September 2010}}</ref> The protesters were accused by the government of using stone pelting as a violent mean of creating chaos. The violent stone pelting by the mob resulted in several security personnel being injured.<ref name="nyt20100804"/>

To prevent the riots Indian authorities imposed curfew in Srinagar and other towns in the valley. In August, the government responded by imposing curfews in the disturbed areas and by deploying Rapid Action Force (RAF) in the Srinagar valley to control demonstrations.<ref>[http://newstrackindia.com/newsdetails/173082 Rapid Action Force deployed in Jammu and Kashmir]. Newstrackindia.com (6 August 2010). Retrieved on 12 July 2013.</ref> Protesters, however, defied curfew and also pelted stones on the police and paramilitary personnel. The year 2010 opened the Pandora's box for the Indian government which responded to the chaos by using live ammunition which resulted in death of more than hundred protestors.

===September protests===
Protests in Kashmir escalated over several days, as demonstrations against [[2010 Qur'an-burning controversy|public burning of the Koran as a protest in the United States]] commemorating the [[11 September attacks]] quickly turned into separatist protests against the Indian government in the Muslim-majority province. On 13 September, Muslim protesters defied a curfew, setting fire to a Christian missionary school and government buildings. At least 17 people were shot dead by police, and one policeman was killed by a thrown rock; at least 113 policemen and 45 protesters were wounded.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=2&article_id=119238 |title=Thirteen killed in Indian Kashmir as Koran desecration protests continue |date=14 September 2010 |agency=Reuters; AFP |work=The Daily Star|access-date=16 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100913232059/http://dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=2&article_id=119238 |archive-date=13 September 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>[http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia/2010/09/201091312934825752.html Kashmir clashes lead to deaths ]</ref> On 12 September, a church was burned and a curfew instituted in [[Punjab (Indian state)|Punjab]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/After-Quran-rumour-Punjab-church-gutted/articleshow/6550154.cms|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103122842/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-09-14/india/28218541_1_fire-tenders-rumour-quran|url-status=live|archive-date=3 November 2012|title=After Quran rumour, Punjab church gutted|date=14 September 2010|first1=Neel|last1=Kamal|work=[[The Times of India]]| access-date= 18 September 2010 }}</ref> Violence spread into [[Poonch (town)|Poonch]] in the [[Jammu]] division, with three protesters shot by police. Protesters burned government buildings and vehicles including the SDM's office, where a gas cylinder exploded inflicting injuries on six people; the SDPO office; the Forest Department office; the BDO office and two police and five civilian vehicles.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://hindu.com/2010/09/16/stories/2010091665151200.htm |title=3 killed as violence spreads to Poonch |author=Shujaat Bukhari |date=16 September 2010 |location=Chennai, India |access-date=16 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100927204659/http://www.hindu.com/2010/09/16/stories/2010091665151200.htm |archive-date=27 September 2010 |work=[[The Hindu]] |url-status=dead }}</ref> Muslim protesters also burnt a Christian school in Poonch, and another in Mendhar the next day, in clashes leaving four protesters killed, 19 wounded, but dozens of government offices, a police station, and eight vehicles were burned. Two other churches were also reportedly burnt by Muslim protesters in [[Rajouri]] and [[Nowshera, Jammu and Kashmir|Naushera]]. The riots spread to outside the Kashmir Valley and in the western areas of [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]] along the [[Line of Control]] which are also majority Muslim.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asianews.it/news-en/Kashmir:-Muslims-try-to-burn-a-Christian-school-%28only-in-name%29-19476.html |title=Kashmir: Muslims try to burn a Christian school (only in name) |author=Shefali Prabhu |date=16 September 2010 |publisher=Asianews.it |access-date=18 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100919160842/http://www.asianews.it/news-en/Kashmir%3A-Muslims-try-to-burn-a-Christian-school-%28only-in-name%29-19476.html |archive-date=19 September 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref> As of 18 September, the estimated death toll was approximately 100. The [[Hindustan Times]] blamed much of the resentment on the indefinite military curfew, the first in 10 years to affect the entire Kashmir Valley, calling the curfew "collective punishment" and writing that after four days, "People are running out of milk, vegetables and baby food. "<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/rssfeed/chunk-ht-ui-indiasectionpage-north/Kashmiris-locked-up-hurt-humiliated-by-curfew/Article1-600653.aspx|title=Kashmiris locked up, hurt, humiliated by curfew|author=Toufiq Rashid|date=16 September 2010|work=Hindustan Times|access-date=18 September 2010|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130125112214/http://www.hindustantimes.com/rssfeed/chunk-ht-ui-indiasectionpage-north/Kashmiris-locked-up-hurt-humiliated-by-curfew/Article1-600653.aspx|archive-date=25 January 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/rssfeed/jandk/Fourth-day-of-indefinite-curfew-in-Kashmir-toll-90/Article1-600793.aspx|title=Fourth day of indefinite curfew in Kashmir, toll 90|author=Indo-Asian News Service|work=Hindustan Times|date=16 September 2010|access-date=18 September 2010|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120903173436/http://www.hindustantimes.com/rssfeed/jandk/Fourth-day-of-indefinite-curfew-in-Kashmir-toll-90/Article1-600793.aspx|archive-date=3 September 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> On 18 September, after six days, the curfew was relaxed in parts of [[Srinagar]] and some other areas for four hours to allow people to buy essentials.<ref name=CCN918>{{cite web|url=http://www.calcuttanews.net/story/686593|title=Kashmir toll 97 in 100 days of unrest|date=18 September 2010|publisher=Calcutta News|access-date=18 September 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723072907/http://www.calcuttanews.net/story/686593|archive-date=23 July 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Kashmir protests to intensify">{{cite web|url=http://www.english.rfi.fr/africa/20100831-protests-intensify-after-11-year-old-killed |title=Kashmir protests to intensify after 11-year-old killed|date=18 September 2010|publisher=RFI English| access-date= 18 September 2010}}</ref><ref name="Death toll 100 in Kashmir demonstrations">{{cite web|url=http://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2010/09/18/Death-toll-100-in-Kashmir-demonstrations/UPI-20921284814518/|title=Death toll 100 in Kashmir demonstrations|date=18 September 2010|publisher=UPI| access-date= 18 September 2010}}</ref>

On the night of 17 September, a policeman's house was set on fire in Pinjoora village. On 18 September, a large procession in [[Anantnag]] defied curfew, carrying the body of Maroof Ahmad Nath, who drowned while fleeing police. After "agitating mobs attempted to torch government property", security forces opened fire, killing Noorul Amin Dagga and injuring five. Fayaz Ahmad Naiku of Boatman Colony (Bemina), Srinigar died from injuries received the preceding day.<ref name=CCN918 /> A group stoning and attempting to burn the home of [[Samajwadi Party]] leader Fayaz Ahmad Bhat were dispersed by gunfire.<ref name=IDE918 /> A group of men emerging from a mosque were fired on with one killed and four injured in [[Pattan]] area. A police spokesman disputed claims that the attack was unprovoked, because a mob tried to block the Srinagar-[[Baramulla]] National Highway and started heavy stone pelting on police.<ref name=IDE918>{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/kashmir-2-killed-19-injured-in-fresh-violence/683422/|title=Kashmir: 2 killed, 19 injured in fresh violence|work=The Indian Express|date=18 September 2010| access-date= 18 September 2010 }}</ref>

===Criticism of security forces===
[[Amnesty International]] called on Indian security forces not to use gunfire against rioters.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2010/09/18/Death-toll-100-in-Kashmir-demonstrations/UPI-20921284814518/ |title=Death toll 100 in Kashmir demonstrations |date=18 September 2010 |publisher=UPI |access-date=18 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100919214815/http://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2010/09/18/Death-toll-100-in-Kashmir-demonstrations/UPI-20921284814518/ |archive-date=19 September 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref> Prime minister of India [[Manmohan Singh]] expressing concern over the deaths asked for revisiting operating procedures and "non-lethal, yet effective and more focussed" crowd control measures to deal with the violent protesters.<ref name="hindu20100826">{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article595716.ece|title=Manmohan for non-lethal crowd control measures|date=26 August 2010|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=29 September 2010|location=Chennai, India|first=Vinay|last=Kumar| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100829094723/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article595716.ece| archive-date= 29 August 2010 | url-status= live}}</ref>

===Criticism of the protests===
In response to the unrest in Kashmir, [[Kashmiri Pandits]] met with Indian finance minister [[Pranab Mukherjee]] and asked that there be no dilution of the [[Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act]] that applies to Kashmir. Their leader Ramesh Manvati, belonging to [[Panun Kashmir]], stated: "The security forces must be provided the constitutional protection as they are playing crucial role in preservation of the country's sovereignty."<ref name="ht20100920">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Kashmiri-Pandits-meet-Mukherjee-oppose-dilution-of-AFSPA/Article1-602498.aspx|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130125070700/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Kashmiri-Pandits-meet-Mukherjee-oppose-dilution-of-AFSPA/Article1-602498.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=25 January 2013|title=Kashmiri Pandits meet Mukherjee, oppose dilution of AFSPA|date=20 September 2010|work=Hindustan Times|access-date=21 September 2010}}</ref> the Kashmiri Pandits also staged a [[dharna]] in [[Jammu]] stating that no solution of the problem was possible without including them in the dialogue.<ref name="ibn20100921">{{cite web|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/pandits-observe-apd-arrival-in-jammu-as-black-day/340238.html|title=Pandits observe APD arrival in Jammu as black day|publisher=[[CNN-IBN]]|access-date=21 September 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100925013154/http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/pandits-observe-apd-arrival-in-jammu-as-black-day/340238.html| archive-date= 25 September 2010 | url-status= dead}}</ref>

Indian [[Minister for Home Affairs (India)|Home minister]] [[P. Chidambaram]] hinted at Pakistan's involvement in the unrest saying that "It is possible that they believe that relying upon civilian unrest will pay them better dividends. But I am confident if we are able to win the hearts and minds of the people those designs can be foiled."<ref name="ht20100808">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Chidambaram-hints-at-Pakistan-role-in-Kashmir-unrest/Article1-583159.aspx|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130125232823/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Chidambaram-hints-at-Pakistan-role-in-Kashmir-unrest/Article1-583159.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=25 January 2013|title=Chidambaram hints at Pakistan role in Kashmir unrest|date=8 August 2010|work=Hindustan Times|access-date=21 September 2010}}</ref>

Condemning the violent protests [[Farooq Abdullah]] president of the largest political party in Kashmir [[Jammu & Kashmir National Conference]] stated that Kashmir has been and will always remain a part of India. He however demanded withdrawal of [[AFSPA]].<ref name="et20100918">{{cite news|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics/nation/Kashmir-has-been-and-will-be-a-part-of-India-Farooq-Abdullah-/articleshow/6578389.cms|title=Kashmir has been and will be a part of India: Farooq Abdullah|date=18 September 2010|work=[[The Economic Times]]|access-date=21 September 2010}}</ref> Chief minister of Jammu & Kashmir [[Omar Abdullah]] has also called for withdrawal of AFSPA. However the leaders of [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] opposed the withdrawal of AFSPA and the party spokesman said that BJP saw the hand of [[Inter-Services Intelligence]] behind the protests.<ref name="hindu20100912">{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article627373.ece|title=BJP warns against move to dilute AFSPA|date=12 September 2010|work=The Hindu|access-date=22 September 2010|location=Chennai, India| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100915134341/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article627373.ece| archive-date= 15 September 2010 | url-status= live}}</ref>

[[Yasin Malik]], leader of [[Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front]], accused Pakistani militants of subverting the indigenous movement.<ref name="bbc20100928">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-11425831|title=Pakistani militants 'hijacking' Kashmir cause|last=Ali|first=Zulfiqar|date=28 September 2010|publisher=BBC|access-date=29 September 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100929045249/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-11425831| archive-date= 29 September 2010 | url-status= live}}</ref>

J&K police claimed that there exist a nexus that raises money to make weekly payments for stone pelting and many arrests have taken place on this.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20130516053650/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-12-27/india/28254785_1_stone-pelter-stone-pelter-firdous-ahmad-sheikh A stone-pelter in Kashmir gets paid Rs 400 a week], TNN, 27 December 2010, timesofindia.indiatimes.com</ref>

==Response of central government==
On 15 September, Prime Minister [[Manmohan Singh]] proposed an all-party meeting in Jammu and Kashmir, saying that dialogue was the only way to find lasting peace, and "We are ready for dialogue with anybody or any group that does not espouse or practice violence". Written invitations included Kashmiri separatists [[Mirwaiz Umar Farooq]] and [[Yasin Malik]], who had been excluded from a previous all-party meeting in 2008 during the [[Amarnath land transfer controversy]]. Members of the 39-member delegation include Home Minister [[P Chidambaram]] and Parliamentary Affairs Minister [[Pawan Kumar Bansal]], [[Sushma Swaraj]] and [[Arun Jaitley]] (BJP), [[Basudeb Acharia]] (CPM), [[Gurudas Dasgupta]] (CPI), [[Mulayam Singh Yadav]] ([[Samajwadi Party]]) and [[Ram Vilas Paswan]] ([[Lok Janshakti Party]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/rssfeed/india/Kashmir-crisis-Hurriyat-invited-to-meet-team-of-MPs/Article1-601516.aspx |title=Kashmir crisis: Hurriyat invited to meet team of MPs |date=18 September 2010 |work=Hindustan Times|access-date=18 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100918090316/http://www.hindustantimes.com/rssfeed/india/Kashmir-crisis-Hurriyat-invited-to-meet-team-of-MPs/Article1-601516.aspx |archive-date=18 September 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
The delegation subsequently visited Kashmir.<ref name="nyt20100921">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/22/world/asia/22kashmir.html|title=Seeking Kashmir Peace, India Feels Anger of Residents|date=21 September 2010|work=The New York Times|access-date=28 September 2010|first=Jim|last=Yardley| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120126205021/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/22/world/asia/22kashmir.html| archive-date=26 January 2012| url-status= live}}</ref> Following this visit Indian government announced several measures to defuse the tensions. The measures included release of all the students arrested during the protests, reopening of schools, discussions on reducing the number of security forces in Kashmir and appointment of a group to begin sustained dialogue with the Kashmiris.<ref name="bbc20100925">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-11411951|title=India announces moves to ease crisis in Kashmir|date=25 September 2010|publisher=BBC|access-date=28 September 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100928055802/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-11411951| archive-date= 28 September 2010 | url-status= live}}</ref> In addition financial compensation of $11,000 to the families of each of those killed was announced.<ref name="nyt20100925">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/26/world/asia/26kashmir.html|title=India Calls for Easing of Security in Kashmir|date=25 September 2010|work=The New York Times|access-date=28 September 2010|first1=Jim|last1=Yardley|first2=Hari|last2=Kumar}}</ref> Most of the families rejected the compensation but a few accepted it, in spite of calls by the Hurriyat Conference and social pressure on families to reject the money from Government of India.<ref name="HT20110220">{{cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Valley-victims-accept-compensation-quietly/H1-Article1-664528.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110222051538/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Valley-victims-accept-compensation-quietly/H1-Article1-664528.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 February 2011|title=Valley victims accept compensation|date=20 February 2011|last=Hussain|first=Ashiq|work=Hindustan Times|access-date=20 February 2011}}</ref>

==Conviction for killing==
The army convicted seven soldiers, including two officers, and sentenced them to life imprisonment for a staged killing of three Kashmiri civilians and passing it off as an anti-militancy operation for rewards and remunerations in J&K in 2010.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/machil-fake-encounter-seven-soldiers-sentenced-to-life-for-killing-three-kashmiri-civilians/article6594347.ece?homepage=true | title=Machil fake encounter: Seven soldiers sentenced to life for killing three Kashmiri civilians | work=The Hindu | date=13 November 2014 | agency=The Hindu | access-date=13 November 2014 | location=Srinagar}}</ref> The court martial proceedings began in January 2014 and ended in September of that year. In April 2010, army had said it had killed three infiltrators in the Machil sector and claimed they were Pakistani militants. The men were later identified as Shahzad Ahmad Khan, Riyaz Ahmad Lone and Muhammad Shafi Lone, all residents of Baramulla district. They were lured to work as porters for the Army in Kupwara district. Instead, the Army killed them in a fake encounter, applied black paint on the clean-shaven faces of the slain, placed weapons on them and said they had killed foreign militants.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/441288/machil-fake-encounter-case-army.html | title=Machil fake encounter case: Armymen handed life sentence | work=Deccan Herald | date=13 November 2014 | agency=Deccan Herald | access-date=13 November 2014 | location=Srinagar}}</ref><ref>[http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/machil-fake-encounter-seven-soldiers-sentenced-to-life-for-killing-three-kashmiri-civilians/article6594347.ece Macchil fake encounter: life term for 5 Army men]</ref><ref>[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/2010-Machil-fake-encounter-case-Army-convicts-7-personnel-including-commanding-officer/articleshow/45131618.cms 2010 Machil fake encounter case: Army convicts 7 personnel, including commanding officer]</ref>

===Suspension of sentences===

On 27 July 2017, The Armed Forces Tribunal suspended the life sentence of the five army personnel including a Colonel and a Captain who had been convicted by a General Court Martial in 2014 for staging the killing of three Kashmiri civilians at Macchil in 2010 and branding them as foreign militants for brass medals and cash rewards.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/machil-fake-encounter-armed-forces-tribunal-suspends-life-imprisonment-of-five-armymen/|title = Macchil killings: Tribunal suspends life sentence of five Army personnel|date = 27 July 2017}}</ref>

==FIR against Chief Minister and police==
In March 2015, [[All Parties Hurriyat Conference]] leader [[Syed Ali Shah Geelani]] entirely blamed then Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir [[Omar Abdullah]] and former Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ashiq Bukhari for killings of 2010 unrest and filed a FIR in the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM), [[Srinagar]].<ref name="indianexpress.com" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/jammu-kashmir/community/2010-unrest-hardline-hurriyat-moves-court-against-omar/54923.html|title = 2010 unrest: Hardline Hurriyat moves court against Omar}}</ref>

"(We) have decided to register a criminal case against Omar Abdullah and Ashiq Bukhari for the innocent killings of 2010 and will try to bring the murderers of the innocent students to justice," a Hurriyat statement said.<ref name="indianexpress.com"/>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[https://archive.today/20130201042830/http://uk.reuters.com/news/video/story?videoId=156716720&videoChannel=75 Video:Kashmir unrest prompts new curfew], [[Reuters]]

{{Kashmir separatist movement}}

{{coord missing|Jammu and Kashmir}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Kashmir Unrest, 2010}}
[[Category:Riots and civil disorder in Jammu and Kashmir]]
[[Category:2010 crimes in India]]
[[Category:2010 riots]]
[[Category:2010s in Jammu and Kashmir]]
[[Category:Stone pelting in the Kashmir conflict]]
[[Category:Arson in Jammu and Kashmir]]
[[Category:Church arson in India]]
[[Category:Arson in 2010]]
[[Category:2010 fires in Asia]]
[[Category:Attacks on government buildings and structures in Jammu and Kashmir]]
[[Category:Attacks on religious buildings and structures in Jammu and Kashmir]]
[[Category:Attacks on buildings and structures in 2010]]
[[Category:Arson attacks on vehicles in India]]
[[Category:June 2010 in India]]
[[Category:July 2010 in India]]
[[Category:August 2010 in India]]
[[Category:September 2010 in India]]
[[Category:Events that led to courts-martial]]
[[Category:Kashmir Division]]
[[Category:Encounters in India]]

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2010 Kashmir unrest