The rumour trap

The people of Kashmir have paid a huge price for believing in a rumour. The protests, which brought the Valley to a standstill, were sparked by the alleged molestation of a 16-year-old student by an Army jawan in Handwara. Worse, protests and violence intensified in Kupwara and Srinagar even as the girl denied the allegation and accused a few local youngsters. I hope that the Kashmiris realise their folly in falling prey to rumours without confirming the truthfulness of the incident, thus putting themselves in trouble.

Mahesh Sharma

Via email