Home minister likely to visit Kashmir on July 2

In the wake of the spiralling violence in Jammu and Kashmir, home minister P Chidambaram is likely to visit the state on July 2 to review the law and order situation there.

Chidambaram, during his meeting with top civil and police officials of the state, may carry out "reorientation" of the top brass of CRPF, which has come under criticism for the death of some youths in clashes recently, sources said.

The home minister is also likely to hold separate meetings with chief minister Omar Abdullah and governor NN Vohra.

The situation in Kashmir valley is tense with protests over the killing of youths spreading to more places and curfew imposed in parts of Baramulla, Kupwara and Srinagar.

Additional contingents of police and paramilitary forces have been deployed in curfew-bound Sopore and other areas to maintain calm, police sources said.

Two persons were killed and 65 others, including 32 policemen, injured in the violent clashes in various parts of the valley yesterday.

Omar had on Sunday night spoken to Chidambaram and voiced his concern over civilians becoming victims of action by paramilitary forces.

State law minister Ali Muhammad Sagar had described as "totally unwarranted" firing by CRPF personnel on the protesters in Sopore, saying such action was adding fuel to the fire.