Kashmir is burning and PM Modi was busy playing drums: Congress

The Congress Party took potshots at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's African visit, saying that he was busy 'playing drums' and tweeting about his travels instead of paying attention to Jammu and Kashmir which is in a state of turmoil.

Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala tweeted a picture of Prime Minister Modi with Tanzanian President John Magufuli playing drums during the ceremonial welcome at State House in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania.

He had also advised the Prime Minister, who was on a five-day tour to the African countries, to learn from US President Barack Obama, who had cut short his visit to European countries in the wake of the Dallas shootings of policemen.

"Kashmir is burning. 21 people have died. Security forces are being attacked daily. Amarnath Yatra suspended and Modi ji is playing the drums. At least wake up now," he said in his tweet.

He further reminded Prime Minister Modi that the PDP-BJP government in Jammu and Kashmir is unable to handle the situation and he should not throw Kashmir in the 'shadow of the gun' to ensure that the peace process remains unaffected.

The Kashmir valley has been on a boil as widespread protests were carried out over Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani's killing with many separatists' calling for a shutdown.

The death toll in the clashes between protesters and security forces in Kashmir mounted to 23, as normal life remained paralysed for the third day today in the Valley due to curfew-like restrictions and separatists-sponsored strike in the wake of Wani's killing in an encounter on July 8.