Mob takes police officer hostage in Kashmir, demands release of 3 men

Srinagar: A mob in south Kashmir's Kulgam district took a police officer hostage, demanding the release of three young men arrested on charges of stone pelting after the killing of top Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani.

An assistant sub inspector of police was abducted by the mob at Behibagh in Kulgam and has been held hostage, a police official said.

"Efforts are on to secure the release of the police officer," he added.

Read: Kashmir violence: Separatists extend strike call by 2 days

Kashmir Valley witnessed clashes between protestors and security personnel after the killing of the 22-year-old terrorist Wani.

The Centre on Monday rushed an additional 800 paramilitary forces to Jammu and Kashmir in the wake of continued violent protests across the Valley.

The reinforcements will be in addition to 1,200 personnel which were sent to aid the state police on Saturday.

About 60 battalions (about 1,000 personnel each) are already stationed in the state as part of counter insurgency grid.