Thousands of people in Indian Kashmir have been protesting against Indian rule nearly daily since the killing of a popular rebel leader in a gun battle with soldiers on July 8, staging “freedom rallies” across large parts of the disputed territory. The slain was identified as Yawar Ahmad son of Mushtaq Ahmad.
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Another youth, Yawar Bhat, died in security forces’ action after protestors indulged in stone pelting at Botengoo in Anantnag district, the official said.
Army Chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag took stock of the security situation during his day long visit to Kashmir on Friday and was briefed about the Army’s plans to deal with anticipated escalation in “volatile situation”, sources said on Saturday.
The locals alleged that forces resorted to pellet firing and burst tear-smoke shells without any “provocation”.
A pro-freedom rally was held at Wanganpora Eidgah that was attended by hundreds of people. In response to stone-pelting, government forces fired tear-gas shells to disperse them.
A local from Botengo said that protests and clashes were going on in the village till 9 pm Friday night. Dooru is the native village of Hurriyat chairman Syed Ali Geelani.
Meanwhile, after a period of over two months, the curfew that had been imposed in the Valley following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in an encounter, has been lifted from the whole of Kashmir even though normal life continued to remain affected. A few shops selling essential goods were also open.
Insiders said more security forces are being inducted to secure the roads and highways besides create an atmosphere of belonging in the hinterland.
Among the six injured, Sayar Ahmad Sheikh (25) of Ganapora received serious head injuries after being hit by a teargas shell.
The doctor said that many injured have been brought to the hospital. “He was shifted to Sub District Hospital Rajpora for treatment where he succumbed to his injuries”.
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They said protesters pelted stones on forces and during clashes at least nine protesters were injured, one among them was referred to Srinagar for advanced treatment.
