Day 45: Curfew, Shutdown, Protests Continue In Kashmir

Day 45: Curfew, Shutdown, Protests Continue In Kashmir

   நம்பிக்கையின் உயிர் மூச்சுடன் தான்

FINDING FUTURE IN CHAOS: A girl child holding a book in her hand walks nonchalantly through a street being manned by a paramilitary trooper. Abid Bhat/KO

நாம் உயிர் வாழ்ந்து கொண்டிருக்கின்றோம்

BY OBSERVER NEWS SERVICE|AUGUST 22, 2016, 10:57 PM

Srinagar: Curfew, shutdown and protests continued in Kashmir Valley continued on 45th day after the killing of top Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Muzzafar Wani while as Border Security Force (BSF) personnel were deployed in Lal Chowk in city centre after a gap of 12 years.

All the entry and exit points leading to Old City – where a youth was killed yesterday during clashes – were sealed off by government forces with razor wires, barricades and mobile bunkers a curfew continued to remain in place. On Sunday evening, a youth namely Irfan Ahmad Malik was killed after being hit by a police teargas shell at Malarata in Old City’s Bohri Kadal area.

The youth, who was a resident of Fateh Kadal area of downtown Srinagar, died at SMHS hospital. The killing sparked off massive protests in Old City as thousands took to streets. The funeral of youth held at historic Jama Masjid in which thousands participated and he was later buried at martyrs’ graveyard Eidgah in late hours amid massive protests.

The curfew was also imposed in Maisuma and Batamaloo areas of civil lines but the restrictions were eased in Lal Chowk in the day hours till 5 pm.

Besides curfew and protests, the shutdown continued across Kashmir Valley. All the shops, commercial establishments, education institutions and most of the banks remained closed. The government offices including Civil Secretariat continue to witness low attendance of the employees. But the curfew continued in Pulwama, Shopian and Anantnag townships.

Meanwhile, protests erupted in Fateh Kadal area of downtown against the killing of youth. Scores of men, women and children while defying curfew took to streets and staged pro-freedom and anti-India protests. Reports said that clashes erupted in several areas of Old City after curfew was lifted by forces.

A police official said that the day passed off without major incident of violence even as protests and clashes occurred in few areas of the Valley. According to the official, the clashes erupted at Lalpora, Natnoosa villages of Kupwara, Saalia village of Aishmuqam in Annantnag and Ganawpora in Shopian.

“At least five to six persons were injured in the clashes,” the police official said, adding that peaceful protests were held in Bandipora and few other areas of Valley.

Meanwhile, the two foreign militants killed at Nowhatta on August 15 during an encounter have been buried at Jabdi village of Baramulla near Line of Control. Police however have not revealed their identities. A commanding officer of the CRPF was also killed in the encounter.

Imam in 3 Arrested By Army, Police

Three persons including an Imam were arrested by forces on Monday evening in Laway Pora area of Srinagar outskirts.

Local sources said that as soon as Asr Namaz ended, cops of J&K police and Rashtriya Rifles personnel in a joint operation caught hold of the three persons and whisked them away.

The sources identified the detained youths as Maulvi Shahid Ahmad, Imam Jamia Jamiat-e-Ahl Hadith Laway Pora; Mohammad Yasir, s/o Manzoor Ahmad and Latief Ahmad, s/o Gh Hassan Sheikh, both residents of Laway Pora.

Notably, Laway Pora witnessed nocturnal protests in last these days while youths keep “patrolling” their area during night to alert the local populace of raids by forces.

“The trio was arrested as they stepped out of Jamiat-e-Ahl Hadith Jamia after Asr prayers,” a local said.

The sources added that several elderly persons from the area rushed to Police Station Parim Pora to seek their release.

Laway Pora is a Highway sub-urban village which located on the two sides of Srinagar-Muzaffarabad Highway, at least, 15 KM away from Lal Chowk.

Norway ready to mediate between India, Pakistan over Kashmir

Norway ready to mediate between India, Pakistan over Kashmir

Brende stated this at a joint news conference with Pakistan Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz after the delegation-level talks in Islamabad on Thursday night.

GK Web Desk

Srinagar, Publish Date: Aug 19 2016 12:34PM | Updated Date: Aug 19 2016 12:34PM

Norway ready to mediate between India, Pakistan over Kashmir

Norway has offered mediation of talks between India and Pakistan over Kashmir dispute.
According to Radio Pakistan, Norwegian Foreign Minister Borge Brende has termed the situation in Kashmir as “very delicate.”

Brende stated this at a joint news conference with Pakistan Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz after the delegation-level talks in Islamabad on Thursday night.

To a question about the alleged human rights violations in Kashmir by Indian forces, Norwegian Foreign Minister said there is a “very delicate situation in Kashmir and his country is available for mitigating tension between Pakistan and India."

Kashmir Day 44- Youth killed in Srinagar, toll 67

Day 44| Youth killed in Srinagar, toll 67

Fateh Kadal orphan dies after being hit with tear-gas shell on chest | Irfan was lone-breadwinner of his family comprising 2 unmarried sisters and a handicapped brother | Over 100 injured in day-long clashes Pellets, tear-gas shells rain on peaceful protestors at Behrampora; 2 youth hit by pellets in eyes at Anantnag | Major pro-freedom rallies held in South Kashmir; Curfew to continue today

ABID BASHIR/ KHALID GUL

Photo: Mir Wasim/GK

Srinagar/Anantnag, Publish Date: Aug 22 2016 12:05AM | Updated Date: Aug 22 2016 12:05AM
Day 44| Youth killed in Srinagar, toll 67


A teenager was killed when forces fired a tear-gas shell at him in Malarata area of old Srinagar on Sunday evening, while at least 100 protestors were injured in forces’ action across Kashmir.
Witnesses said Irfan Fayaz Wani, 19, a resident of Malik Angan, Fateh Kadal left his home at 6 pm, only to return dead.

Witnesses said mild clashes were going on in Malarata where Irfan sustained tear-gas shell injury. “He was hit in his chest,” they said, adding: “He was immediately shifted to SMHS hospital in a critical condition. Doctors there said Irfan’s heart had got ruptured as the tear-gas shell had directly hit him on the left side of his chest.”

“We were helpless as his injury was grave. He died within five minutes of being received at the hospital,” a doctor who attended to him said.

With the fresh killing, the death toll has reached 67 while least 7000 people have got injured in the forces’ action, with 500 of them hit by pellets in their eyes and a vast majority of them on the verge of losing their eye-sight.

As the news of Irfan’s death spread, hundreds of youth took to streets in Srinagar areas amid pro-freedom sloganeering. Reports said Irfan’s body was taken to Jamia Masjid first where thousands of people—defying night curfew—attended his funeral prayers after which his body was taken to Martyrs’ Graveyard Eidgah for burial. Massive clashes triggered by Irfan’s killing were reported from Baba Demb, Khanyar, Nowhatta, Fateh Kadal, Karan Nagar, Chattabal, Habba Kadal, Chottabazar and other adjoining areas. People were seen rushing to Fateh Kadal amid pro-freedom slogans.

Reports of intense clashes also poured in from Nowgam, Chanapora, Lasjan, Hyderpora and Peerbagh areas of uptown Srinagar. Earlier in the day, strict curbs remained in place across Srinagar including the city centre Lal Chowk.  Police had sealed roads at several junctions including Jehangir Chowk, Dalgate, TRC Crossing, Zero Bridge, Ram Munshi Bagh and Pantha Chowk, causing huge inconvenience to people.

Official sources said in the wake of a fresh killing in Srinagar, strict curfew will remain in place across the district on Monday.

‘Irfan, an Orphan’

Irfan’s father, Fayaz Ahmed Wani, had died 11 months back, his relatives said. They said Irfan was the lone-breadwinner of his family comprising two unmarried sisters and a handicapped brother. “Forces snatched everything from us. They should kill us too,” Irfan’s sisters, who were wailing, said.

SOUTH KASHMIR

Two youth sustained pellet injuries and one of them was hit in both eyes in clashes in Anantnag (Islamabad) town even as curfew and restrictions continued to remain in place in major towns for the 44th straight day. Reports said two youth were hit when forces fired pellets on protesters in Moominabad locality of Anantnag town late on Sunday afternoon. One of them, a 21-year-old B.Tech student—Aadil Rashid of Moominabad—has been hit in both eyes and chest and was rushed to Srinagar’s SMHS hospital.  Another youth has been hit in arm and is under treatment at District Hospital. The incident triggered further protests and clashes at Janglat Mandi, right outside the Hospital premises.  Clashes were also reported from Khananbal area. Violent clashes also erupted in the evening near Uran Hall and Pazalpora Bijbehara on Srinagar-Jammu Highway. Forces fired pellets and lobbed tear-gas shells on protesters. The clashes were on when this report was filed.
Meanwhile, massive pro-freedom rallies continued to be held across South Kashmir. The rallies have become a routine since the eruption of ongoing uprising triggered by the killing of Hizb commander Burhan Wani on July 8.  Thousands of people from several villages of Pulwama district marched towards Parigam to participate in a pro-freedom rally. The participants were raising anti-India and pro-freedom slogans. A similar rally was held in Wasoora and Ruhmoo areas of the district. The rallies—besides religious scholars of various sects—were also addressed by Tehreek-I-Hurriyat (TeH) District President Shakeel Ahmad.

In Ruhmoo rally, 22 Panchs and two Sarpanchs announced to cut off their ties with all pro-Indian parties and join the ongoing freedom movement. The Panchayat representatives were affiliated to PDP, Congress and NC, local residents said.

Meanwhile, thousands of people participated in pro-freedom rallies in Muloo Chitragam in Shopian. People from many Shopian villages were seen thronging the venue, treading several miles by foot, riding bikes and reaching there in cars, load carriers and trucks. The rallies were addressed by religious clerics of various sects—Deobandis, Barelvis, Ahlihadiths and Jamat-I-Islami besides Tehreek-I-Hurriyat District President Shopian Muhamad Yousuf Falahi.

Another rally—which was part of unity conference (Itihad-I-Millat) of various sects was held in Turki Taschul in Kaimoh area of Kulgam. Sheikh Ramzan and Tehreek-I-Hurriyat District President Muhammad Shaban also addressed the conference. Similar rally was held in Breenthi Batpora in Dailgam village in Anantnag district which was addressed by Tehreek-e-Hurriyat District President Mir Hafizullah and Democratic Freedom Party leader, Er Farooq Ahmad Khan. People in these rallies were raising anti-India, pro-Pakistan and pro-freedom slogans, witnesses said.  Pakistani flags were also waved, they said.

Reports of protests also poured in from Sangam, Charsoo, Nayina, Achabal, Vessu, Qazigund, Tral, Tahab and Kakpora areas.

South Kashmir residents alleged that forces have unleashed terror in several localities. “Police, CRPF and Army have launched a crackdown and are conducting nocturnal raids in towns and villages and arresting youth allegedly involved in protests. At several places, people have been resisting their moves, triggering clashes. People make announcements through mosque loudspeakers once forces reach their areas to foil their attempts,” reports said.

They said many people have suffered injuries in the forces’ action while houses are being also ransacked and inmates beaten up. “Several youth have also been rounded up,” according to witnesses, while many have left their homes to evade arrests but their parents and siblings are now being rounded up instead.

Meanwhile, day and night curfew remained in place in Anantnag, Pulwama, Shopian and Kulgam and Pampore towns.

NORTH KASHMIR

At least 70 people sustained pellet and tear-gas shell injuries in forces’ action at Behrampora, Rafiabad in Baramulla district. Witnesses said forces opened fire on peaceful protestors without any provocation. Block Medical Officer Dangiwacha Dr Maqbool confirmed that 70 people had sustained injuries. However, none was stated to be critical.

In another incident, six people including few guests who had come to attend a marriage ceremony at Haygam, Trumgund in Sopore area, were injured on Sunday, witnesses said.

“Forces fired dozens of tear-gas shells at people who were protesting against the detention of youth. There were some guests who had come to attend a marriage ceremony and became the target of forces,” witnesses said.

Reports said police picked two youth from Khawaja Bagh area of Baramulla during a nocturnal raid and beat an employee while many women sustained injuries while protesting the raid.  The raid was conducted in Qadeem Muhalla. According to the residents, police and SOG personnel barged into a house and resorted to ransacking of property besides breaking its windowpanes.

"Police tried to open our entry gate but it was locked from inside. They forcibly broke our walls to enter inside," the family members said.

Police also beat up females present inside the house and aimed guns at minors who were sleeping. "They threatened to kill our three-month-old kid if we didn't hand over our male members to them,” said a female family member. “They unleashed a reign of terror and hurled big stones on our house, breaking all the glasses and windows.”

After the family opposed the arrests and raised slogans, police allegedly beat up females inside the house, asking them to remain silent. “They hurled teargas shells inside our rooms which frightened our kids and other members who were sleeping.”

The policemen, according to the family members "crossed all limits" and “abused females for making hue and cry.”

J&K police allegedly thrashed an employee of National Hydel Power Corporation, Arshad Ahmad, who had come out of his house following protests in the area. Arshid said after receiving beating, the policemen tried to bundle him in an armoured vehicle. “But I was released on spot after blood started oozing out of my head. I was standing near my gate and suddenly five cops ran towards me and beat me up with gun-butts on my head and lower back,” Arshad said. “I have got 10 stitches in my head.”
Meanwhile, strict restrictions continued in many areas of  Kupwara district that include  Town, Sulkoote, Rigipora, Baterga, Trehgam, Kralpora, Lalpora, Langate, Handwara, Kralgund and other areas.

LOCAL IMAM BEATEN

An imam (prayer leader) was ruthlessly beaten by army men in Sopore on Srinagar-Kupwara road when he was on way from Srinagar to his residence in Kupwara. The injured imam, who leads prayers in a Srinagar mosque, has been hospitalized at Sub-district hospital Kupwara. Qari Naseer Ahmad Sheikh (28), a resident of Halmatpora village of Kupwara was returning home from Khanqah-e-Moula area of Srinagar after a month’s time where he leads prayers at Masjid Mir Syed Muhammad Hamadani Shameswari.

SSP Kupwara Shamshair Hussain said: “I have taken up the matter of beating of Imam with SP Sopore and DIG North Kashmir.”

The residents said this was not the first incident on the highway. “Every person who takes this road is asked to move on foot and show his identity proof. Without any reason, commuters particularly civilians and drivers get thrashing from army men,” commuters said.

CENTRAL KASHMIR

Reports said massive clashes erupted at Kangan area of Ganderbal after forces detained three members of a family during a nocturnal raid. The family members were identified as two brothers, Tariq Ahmed Malik and Tasaduq Malik and their cousin, Abdul Hameed. The incident triggered massive protests in the area, prompting forces to use teargas shells in which six people and two cops got injured. Meanwhile, reports said, peaceful protests were held at Fatehpora, Ganderbal while youth were seen collecting food and other stuff for the needy at Gund.

Reports from Budgam district said forces resorted to smashing of residential houses in the evening.
They said forces damaged Girls Higher Secondary School Nagam in Chadoora. The incident triggered massive protests in the area. Forces fired pellets and tear gas shells at protestors, injuring at least six of them. Residents alleged that forces also damaged 10 motorcycles. Meanwhile, entire district observed a complete shutdown.

POLICE VERSION

According to a statement issued by the Zonal Police Headquarters, Kashmir, three incidents of stone pelting were reported from Ganderbal and Sopore. “These incidents were reported from Kangan in Ganderbal, Trumgund and Behrampora in Sopore. The miscreants assembled on roads and pelted stones on police and security forces,” the statement said.

The statement further said apart from these incidents, the situation remained under control across Kashmir. The restrictions under section 144/Cr PC remained in force in Kashmir. However, curfew was imposed in Srinagar, town Anantnag and Pampore only,” it read.

(WITH ADDITIONAL REPORTING FROM  SYED RIZWAN GEELANI, GHULAM MUHAMMAD, M A DAR, SHEIKH NAZIR)  

Kashmir: Hundreds suffer eye injuries from pellet guns

Kashmir: Hundreds suffer eye injuries from pellet guns

Patients seek treatment in Indian-administered Kashmir after being hit by pellet guns as officials try to calm tensions.

At least 66 people have been killed in Kashmir since the killing of a top rebel leader on July 8 [Reuters]

Hundreds of people have been treated for serious eye injuries at a hospital in Indian-administered Kashmir since violence broke out over a month ago in the troubled region.

The Indian Express newspaper reported on Sunday that doctors at Srinagar's Shri Maharaja Singh hospital have treated at least 446 patients with injuries sustained from being shot at with pellet guns, which have been used against protesters by Indian forces in the region.

A majority of victims have "multiple structural damage" to their eyes, the state government told the Jammu and Kashmir High Court, according to the daily.

Pellet guns have been widely used to quell protests in Kashmir that erupted after a popular rebel commander, Burhan Wani, was killed in a gun battle with Indian security forces last month.

At least 66 people have been killed in the almost daily anti-India protests and rolling curfews prompted by the killing of Wani on July 8. 

The Central Reserve Police Force, an Indian paramilitary unit, told the Jammu and Kashmir High Court that it had used 1.3 million pellets in 32 days, adding that "it was difficult to follow the standard operating procedure (SOP) given the nature of the protests".

Inside Story - Can Kashmir anger be a turning point?

"It is the first time I have seen so many pellet-injured people. Pellets were also used during the 2010 unrest, but this time they [government forces] are using them on a large scale," a doctor from Kashmir, who did not want to be named, told Al Jazeera.

"We get, almost every day, people injured with pellets and many of the patients lose their eyesight," he said.

Police say the pellets are a non-lethal weapon that helps breaking protests without casualty, but rights groups reject that assertion, saying the pellets blind people and must be banned.

"The use of pellets and bullets on civilians in Kashmir is inhumane and unacceptable. In a real democracy, these things should never happen," Kavita Krishnan, leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist), told Al Jazeera.

"India has witnessed agitations in many parts, but the pellets and bullets were never used against civilians anywhere in India.

"It is a war against civilians, the government of India should realise it is a political problem and should sit with the people and listen to their demands," she said.

A senior official from government of Jammu and Kashmir state, when contacted, declined to comment.

The news of eye injuries came as Jammu and Kashmir opposition leaders from the disputed region met Pranab Mukherjee, the Indian President, and asked him to "initiate a credible and meaningful process of political dialogue".

According to the Indian Express, in a memorandum to Mukherjee, the group said: "The failure of the central government to acknowledge that the issue in Kashmir is largely of a political nature has worsened the already volatile situation."

"The central government’s refusal to deal with the situation through a political approach is disappointing and can have serious long-term implications on peace and stability in the state," the wrote.

The meeting of Kashmiri leaders came a day after India's Northern Army Commander Lt Gen DS Hooda called for talks with separatist leaders to end the bloody unrest in the region.

Source: Al Jazeera and agencies

Kashmir: Hundreds suffer eye injuries from pellet guns

Kashmir: Hundreds suffer eye injuries from pellet guns

Patients seek treatment in Indian-administered Kashmir after being hit by pellet guns as officials try to calm tensions.

At least 66 people have been killed in Kashmir since the killing of a top rebel leader on July 8 [Reuters]

Hundreds of people have been treated for serious eye injuries at a hospital in Indian-administered Kashmir since violence broke out over a month ago in the troubled region.

The Indian Express newspaper reported on Sunday that doctors at Srinagar's Shri Maharaja Singh hospital have treated at least 446 patients with injuries sustained from being shot at with pellet guns, which have been used against protesters by Indian forces in the region.

A majority of victims have "multiple structural damage" to their eyes, the state government told the Jammu and Kashmir High Court, according to the daily.

Pellet guns have been widely used to quell protests in Kashmir that erupted after a popular rebel commander, Burhan Wani, was killed in a gun battle with Indian security forces last month.

At least 66 people have been killed in the almost daily anti-India protests and rolling curfews prompted by the killing of Wani on July 8. 

The Central Reserve Police Force, an Indian paramilitary unit, told the Jammu and Kashmir High Court that it had used 1.3 million pellets in 32 days, adding that "it was difficult to follow the standard operating procedure (SOP) given the nature of the protests".

Inside Story - Can Kashmir anger be a turning point?

"It is the first time I have seen so many pellet-injured people. Pellets were also used during the 2010 unrest, but this time they [government forces] are using them on a large scale," a doctor from Kashmir, who did not want to be named, told Al Jazeera.

"We get, almost every day, people injured with pellets and many of the patients lose their eyesight," he said.

Police say the pellets are a non-lethal weapon that helps breaking protests without casualty, but rights groups reject that assertion, saying the pellets blind people and must be banned.

"The use of pellets and bullets on civilians in Kashmir is inhumane and unacceptable. In a real democracy, these things should never happen," Kavita Krishnan, leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist), told Al Jazeera.

"India has witnessed agitations in many parts, but the pellets and bullets were never used against civilians anywhere in India.

"It is a war against civilians, the government of India should realise it is a political problem and should sit with the people and listen to their demands," she said.

A senior official from government of Jammu and Kashmir state, when contacted, declined to comment.

The news of eye injuries came as Jammu and Kashmir opposition leaders from the disputed region met Pranab Mukherjee, the Indian President, and asked him to "initiate a credible and meaningful process of political dialogue".

According to the Indian Express, in a memorandum to Mukherjee, the group said: "The failure of the central government to acknowledge that the issue in Kashmir is largely of a political nature has worsened the already volatile situation."

"The central government’s refusal to deal with the situation through a political approach is disappointing and can have serious long-term implications on peace and stability in the state," the wrote.

The meeting of Kashmiri leaders came a day after India's Northern Army Commander Lt Gen DS Hooda called for talks with separatist leaders to end the bloody unrest in the region.

Source: Al Jazeera and agencies

India’s Pellet Gun Continues to Blind Kashmiri Boys

India’s Use of 'Non-Lethal' Pellet Gun Continues to Blind Kashmiri Boys
By Fahad Shah

June 9, 2015 | 8:20 pm

The Indian government's use of pellet guns in Indian-administered Kashmir to quell protests has led to higher rates of eye injuries, including blinding and permanent visual impairment, among civilians.

 Pellets are like small iron ball bearings fired at a high velocity. Each cartridge in a gun contains around 400 pellets. When fired at short range, hundreds of pellets can pierce the body and damage the eyes.

 Even though the government says the pellet guns are "non-lethal" weapons, experts say that the pellets can be lethal and cause permanent damage.

"When a pellet hits an eye it is rare that a person won't lose eyesight," Dr. Bashir Ahmad Bhat, a Kashmir-based ophthalmologist and former head of the Ophthalmology Department at Kashmir's Government Medical College, told VICE news.

Hamid Nazir Bhat, 16, was hit by more than 100 pellets during a protest in the northern Kashmir's Palhallan area on May 21, 2015. Pellets were found in his face and skull, and caused him to lose his vision in one eye.

"He was returning from an evening classes center after finding the premises shut due to protests," Nazir Ahmad Bhat, Hamid's father, told VICE News. "On his way back to home a policeman shot at him with a pellet gun."

After being hit, Bhat says Hamid put his hands on his eyes and covered his face, as blood was oozing out of the puncture wounds made by the pellets. Bhat says his son told him he then started running away.

"The officer was shouting 'stop, right there' and calling out abuses but after running around 40 meters Hamid collapsed. Locals picked him up," Bhat said.

Hamid ran, he told his family, thinking the police might kill him.

The shots cause Hamid to lose vision in his one eye and damaged his other eye. He is just one of the more than 700 people who have been injured due to the police use of pellet guns, doctors at two hospitals in Kashmir told the India-based Hindu newspaper.

"Seventy percent of them lose their sight in one eye, and at times in both," a senior ophthalmologist told the Hindu. "While they haven't been killed, their lives are ruined forever."

Related: India's 'Resettlement' of Kashmiri Hindus to Hotly Contested Region Stokes Resentment

Human rights groups have criticized the government for using pellet guns. Last week, Amnesty International issued a call to completely ban the weapons.

"Jammu and Kashmir authorities must prohibit the use of pellet-firing shotguns in policing demonstrations, as they are inherently inaccurate and indiscriminate," said a statement from the human rights organization. "Because of [the] high potential to cause unwarranted injury, including to bystanders and others, pellet guns should have no place in law enforcement."

After finding out about the severity of Hamid's injuries, his family transferred him to a hospital in India's capital, New Delhi, for better care. His father has been in continuous touch with Hamid's uncle, who is accompanying him.

"He told me that the operation was successful, and 30-40 percent of his eyesight has returned. But we don't know what will happen now," he said.

Since mass protests in 2010 against Indian rule rocked Kashmir and resulted in the deaths of more than 120 civilians, there have been several cases of pellet injuries, with most of the injured being teenage boys.

An injured boy plucking out pellets from his leg with a knife in Srinagar. (Photo by Syed Shahriyar)

Another victim of the pellet firing was 13-year-old Imaad Ahmad, who requested his real name not be used in this story. He was injured by a blast from a pellet gun in May, and around 40 pellets remain in his body.

"The doctors are saying it will cost $500 to remove the pellets but I'm an orphan. My father died in an accident a few years ago," Imaad told VICE news. Imaad's older brother is the breadwinner for his family and can't afford to pay for his treatment.

Bhat, the ophthalmologist, has treated at least seven pellet injury cases. All of them lost their eyesight, he says.

"A person may not die due to pellets but he/she can get disabled for life. It is better to die than live as a disabled person, dependent on others," Dr. Bhat remarked.

A man injured by Pellet in head in North Kashmir. (Photo by Syed Shahriyar)

The Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) has also expressed alarm over the unabated use of pellet guns.

"The government should immediately stop the brutal use of pellet guns as they cause serious injuries," DAK said in a statement.

While there has been no action to stop the use of pellets, the injury cases are rising. Most of the injuries to eyes have caused perforation and damaged the cornea, retina or optic nerve, leading to loss of eyesight.

"After the damage, medical treatment can only retain the shape of the eyeball. Even with the latest techniques you can remove the pellets but the damage is immense," Dr. Bhat added.

"There is a 99 percent chance of losing eyesight."

A young wedding decorator, Danish Altaf, was hit in the eye by pellets during a protest that left him blind in his left eye.

"We are being told that his eyesight can recover if we can take him to a special hospital in India. It requires $1000. We can't afford such an amount," Danish's mother told VICE news at her modest half built one-story house.

படுகொலை செய்யப்பட்ட காஸ்மீர் விரிவுரையாளர்

Danish's father is a vendor, selling cheap cloth dining sheets in villages on a bicycle, earning $50 a month. Danish's injury has left him unable to see properly, and he often falls and injures himself.

"He is disabled now," she said. "Today I will do everything for him but what will happen to him when I'm no more?" his mother asks.

The police have, however, maintained that there is standard operating procedure that is followed when using pellet guns, and that they use the weapons from a safe distance. The government has been mainly unable to take any action even though the number of people blinded due to pellets is rising. Hamid's father says the pellets that hit his son were fired  from less than a meter away.

Hamid has told his family that he can identify the person who shot at him, but that depends on one critical thing: only if he will be able to see again.

Follow Fahad Shah on Twitter at @pzfahad
Note:  (Photos by Syed Shahriyar) added ENB

Kashmir: BJP holds ‘Tiranga Yatra' at Bhadarwah

TAHIR NADEEM KHAN YUSAFZAI
Bhaderwah, Publish Date: Aug 21 2016 12:22AM | Updated Date: Aug 21 2016 12:22AM

BJP holds ‘Tiranga Yatra' at Bhadarwah

GK Photo

Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) on Saturday conducted ‘Tiranga Yatra’ here in the town which was led by its district president Doda, Adv Manjeet Razdan.

Razdan accompanied by dozens of BJP workers and office bearers gathered at Lakshmi Narayan Chowk while holding tricolour, started rally to show solidarity with the Union and State Governments against the ‘anti-national’ elements.

BJP workers started their procession flaunting tricolour flags and chanting pro-India and pro-Modi slogans while terming Kashmir as integral part of India. The rally passed through Chobia Link Road, Seri Bazaar, Khakhal Mohallah, Vasuk Dera and later culminated at Lakshmi Narayan Temple.

The BJP workers, while raising the slogan "Jis Kashmir Ko Khoon Se Seencha, Woh Kashmir Hamara Hai" were demanding stern action against the ‘anti-national elements and Pakistan-sympathisers.’

"On the directions of our National President, Amit Shah, we organized 'Tiranga Yatra' here today to show complete solidarity with India," said Razdan.

KASHMIR: Meet the ambulance driver who was shot at by CRPF

Meet the ambulance driver who was shot at by CRPF

The Indian Central Reserve Police Force came into existence as Crown Representative’s Police on 27th July 1939. It became the Central Reserve Police Force on enactment of the CRPF Act on 28th December 1949. 

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                          Meet the ambulance driver who was shot at by CRPF  GK Photo

Hundreds of pellets in his arm and shoulder, Sofi still drove patients to SMHS hospital

MUDDASIR ALI
Srinagar, Publish Date: Aug 20 2016 12:26AM | Updated Date: Aug 20 2016 12:26AM


An ambulance driver, who was bringing patients from Ganderbal to a Srinagar hospital late on Thursday evening, had a miraculous escape when Central Reserve Police Force men fired pellets at him in Safakadal area here, causing serious injuries to him.

Ghulam Muhammad Sofi, despite being severely injured in the right arm and shoulder and bleeding profusely, drove the ambulance with one hand for nearly one kilometer to the SMHS Hospital where he was admitted for treatment and later shifted to Bone & Joint Hospital in the night for a surgery.
A senior doctor at the B&J hospital, who treated 32-year old Sofi, said more than 200 pellets had pierced his right arm and shoulder.

“The severity of the injury shows that the pellets have been fired from a very close range and he (Sofi) had lost lot of blood,” said the doctor, adding: “Sofi has been lucky that the pellets have not caused damage to his bones.”

“The pellets had ruptured his tissues. We have operated upon him but he will need at least two more surgeries given the severity of the injury.”

Sofi, who is a driver with Primary Health Center at Wussan in Ganderbal, said he had to drop a sick patient at Children’s hospital at Sonwar here and another patient at B&J Hospital.

Recalling the incident, Sofi, who is in severe pain, said the joint party of CRPF and police which was patrolling near CRPF camp in Safa Kadal didn’t stop them and the ambulance proceeded towards Lal Chowk.

But the moment, he said, the ambulance reached near Safa Kadal Bridge, a CRPF man, “without signaling anything fired directly at me with his gun”.

Manzoor Ahmad who was accompanying 14-year-old cousin Aqib Hussain to B&J hospital for his treatment, in the ambulance, said: “We thought this is our end. I looked at the driver and he was bleeding profusely from right side of his body. But he (driver) without losing concentration, drove the ambulance to the SMHS hospital.”

Before the CRPF personnel fired at the ambulance driver Sofi, he had during the day already shuttled thrice between Wusan and Srinagar to ferry the patients.

“Oh my brother, I am dying with pain, please do something,” Sofi was repeatedly telling his elder brother Nazir Ahmad at the hospital.

A number of ambulance drivers from Srinagar and Ganderbal who visited Sofi at the hospital, were aghast over use of force against ambulance drivers during the past 42 days of uprising in Kashmir.
As per the official report prepared by Directorate of Health (Kashmir), at least 25 drivers working with the Department have been allegedly thrashed by forces during the past 42 days.

The Directorate has suffered damage to 150 ambulances in attacks, during this period.
Meanwhile the CRPF has placed under suspension the accused Sub-Inspector Bhim Singh Yadav of F-78th battalion who had fired upon the ambulance driver.

“A Departmental inquiry has been initiated against the officer,” CRPF spokesman Rajeshvar Yada told Greater Kashmir.

Kashmir: Ambulance driver shot at in Safa Kadal

Kashmir: Ambulance driver shot at in Safa Kadal
He said the driver is being operated upon at the SMHS hospital.

Abid Bashir
Srinagar, Publish Date: Aug 18 2016 9:08PM | Updated Date: Aug 18 2016 9:08PM

An ambulance driver was shot at in Safa Kadal locality of Srinagar on Thursday night.

The driver, who was on way to the SMHS hospital from Kangan, managed to drive the ambulance despite the bone fracture, said a doctor.

He said the driver is being operated upon at the SMHS hospital.

More details are awaited.

நாள் 42 காஸ்மீரில் இந்தியப் பயங்கரம்

Pellet terror continues

DAY 42: Pellet terror continues, over 120 injured in fresh clashes

4 youth sustain critical injuries | Police enforce stringent curfew to foil march to Aripanthan | Geelani, Mirwaiz detained | Huge freedom rallies held in several areas | No prayers allowed in Jamia Masjid Srinagar for 6th Friday | Shutdown in Bhaderwah too

ABID BASHIR/ KHALID GUL
Srinagar/Anantnag, Publish Date: Aug 20 2016 12:07AM | Updated Date: Aug 20 2016 1:44AM
DAY 42: Pellet terror continues, over 120 injured in fresh clashes
Photo: Aman Farooq/GK

Four youth sustained serious pellet and bullet injuries and are battling for life in Srinagar hospitals, while at least 120 youth were injured in clashes that broke out after Friday congregational prayers across Kashmir, witnesses and reports said.

Majority of injuries were caused by pellets, they said. The authorities had placed stringent curbs in Srinagar and all other district headquarters to foil the march to Aripanthan Budgam that was called by Kashmir’s joint resistance leadership. Reports said two youth from South Kashmir’s Anantnag and Pulwama districts were referred to a Srinagar hospital after they sustained serious pellet injuries while a youth from Handwara district of North Kashmir is also battling for life at SMHS hospital.


SOUTH KASHMIR

At least 50 people were injured across South Kashmir of which over 25 sustained injuries at Kakapora in Pulwama district during clashes after Friday prayers. Reports said violent clashes erupted in Kaimoh and adjoining Khudwani, Redwani and Rampora villages. Youth pelted stones on forces who in turn lobbed teargas shells and also fired pellets to quell the protests, witnesses said. At least six people sustained injuries in the forces’ action. Reports said one youth sustained injuries in his eyes at Rampora while in Pricho, Newa and Tahab, 10 youth were seriously injured and two of them were referred to a Srinagar hospital. Six people sustained injuries in Tral area as well.
Clashes also erupted near Ziyarat road in Kulgam town, but there were no reports of any injury. An effigy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also reportedly set ablaze by protesters there.

A youth sustained critical pellet injuries in forces’ action in Kakpora area of Pulwama. “Youth clashed with police and paramilitary forces who resorted to intense tear-gas shelling and fired pellets to disperse them,” witnesses said.

They said one of the youths, later identified as Isaq Ahmad Itoo of Patlabagh Pampore, sustained pellet injuries in his head and after being given first-aid in a local Primary Health Center was referred to a Srinagar hospital. Several other youth sustained injuries in the clashes.

Clashes also erupted in Dangerpora and Exchange Road areas in Pulwama town. In Shopian district, protests and clashes erupted in Bonbazar, Golchakri and some other villages including Vihil, Trinz, Aliyalpora, Meemandar, Gagran and Nagbal. Protests and clashes also erupted in Tral town and its adjoining villages after Friday prayers. Several people have reportedly sustained injuries there, but in the wake of complete communication blockade in the area, the exact number of injuries could not be ascertained. “Even BSNL mobile and landline service has been snapped in the area,” reports said.

Two Imams were reportedly thrashed by army in Sanigam village in Yaripora area of Kulgam district. Massive pro-freedom demonstrations were taken out in Yaripora, Frisal and Kujar areas in Kulgam after Friday prayers.

In Bijbehara town, a pro-freedom rally was taken out after Friday prayers near Jamia Masjid in Baba Mohalla locality.

Reports of similar rallies being taken out were received from Dachnipora villages of Bijbehara, Wubzan, Mahand, Kanelwan, Srigufwara and Nanil. Protest demonstrations also rocked
Achabal, Mattan and Seer areas in Anantnag district and Gusoo, Tahab, Ruhumu in Pulwama district, and also Mohamadpora, Bugam, Bachroo in Kulgam district.

Strict curfew remained in place in Anantnag, Pulwama, Kulgam and Shopian towns while restrictions remained in force in Bijbehara, Mattan, Awantipora, Pampore, Tral and Kakpora towns. Forces had laid spools of concertina wire at various entry and exit points to enforce strict curfew in the towns as well peripheral areas. In late evening clashes, three youth were injured of which one was hit by a bullet on left side of his face while pellets hit him in elbow and other parts of the body, witnesses said. He was identified as Bilal Ahmed of Batpora and has been referred to Srinagar where doctors termed his condition as critical. Medicos at the district hospital said Bilal had multiple pellet injuries in his forearm. Late evening reports said a youth Adil Ahmed of Samboora, Pulwama was hit by a bullet during evening clashes. He was shifted to SMHS hospital Srinagar.

NORTH KASHMIR

At least 20 persons including six women were injured in clashes that erupted between forces and protestors in Bandipora district soon after Friday prayers. As soon as the prayers culminated, a large procession was taken out from Gulshan Chowk to Nowpora Chowk in which women from Plan, Nibripora and Nowpora also participated. Witnesses said as the protest rally reached near Nowpora Chowk, police fired dozens of tear-smoke shells upon the rally that was peacefully going on. The police action triggered massive clashes in which around 20 persons, including six women, sustained injuries. The clashes were going on when this report was filed.

Meanwhile, angry protestors burnt the effigy of Sajad Gani Lone, Minister for Social Welfare, in Gulshan Chowk area of the town.

Meanwhile, government forces resorted to teargas shelling to break up a protest rally in Pazalpora area of the district, triggering clashes. Witnesses said the inhabitants of Pazalpora, Mantrigam and Darmahama areas carried out a protest rally and marched towards Sonerwani where an office of Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is located. The protestors, according to witnesses, tried to attack the BRO office but were intercepted by Army's 14 RR unit camped at Sonerwani. This led to clashes. Army fired dozens of tear smoke, sound shells and pepper gas to disperse the protestors.

Reports said two youth were injured during the clashes which were going on when last reports came in.

Reports of clashes were also received from Hajin area of the district where youth had assembled near Jamia Masjid after offering Friday congregational prayers and clashed with forces.

Peaceful protests were also held in Aragam, Ashtengoo, Aloosa, Ajar, Ayathmulla, Ajas and other adjoining areas.

In Sopore, Friday congregational prayers were held in two masjids only—Jamia Masjid Sopore and New Colony Masjid. When the protestors marched towards main chowk from Sopore Jamia Masjid, forces resorted to pellet firing at Chanakhan, injuring dozens of youth.

Meanwhile, pro-freedom protests were held at Botingoo. Reports said massive protest rallies were held in Bomai, Muslim Peer, Krankshivan, Main chowk, Tujjar Sharief, Zainageer and other areas of Sopore.

Meanwhile, in Handwara area of Kupwara, clashes broke out after Friday prayers in which one youth sustained grave pellet injuries. He was referred to Srinagar in a critical condition.

In Baramulla district, curfew was defied at many parts. In Palhallan, soon after Friday prayers, intense clashes broke out between police and protesting youths, leading to injury to six persons. Four injured youths are reported to have received pellet injuries and were shifted to Srinagar hospitals.

According to reports, in Palhallan, a massive pro-freedom march was also taken out this afternoon. The protesting youths after passing through various parts of the area tried to march towards the Srinagar-Baramulla highway. The police and CRPF personnel prevented their bid which led to clashes. Police lobbed scores of teargas shells to disperse the youths and as the clashes intensified, police fired pellets, which caused injury to six youth. Four of the injured youths were later shifted to a Srinagar hospital. In Pattan area of Baramulla district, clashes broke out this afternoon after a group of youths after Friday prayers tried to march towards the highway. Police fired scores of teargas shells to disperse the protesters.

Pro-freedom protest was also held in Hygam area in which hundreds of youths including women participated.In old town Baramulla, joint Friday prayers were offered at Qadeem Eidgah. Soon after Friday prayers, a massive pro-freedom protest was taken out. The protesting youths included
scores of women who marched through various areas and later dispersed peacefully at Azad Gunj Chowk.Similar protests were also reported from Sangri Colony and Noor Baghdad areas of uptown Baramulla. Reports from Kupwara said major rallies were organized at Trehgam, Lalpora, and Kupwara town against the killing of innocent civilians. Clashes broke out in Lalpora, Batergam, Sapernaghama, Ganapora, Langate, where more than 25 youth sustained pellet injuries. Four youth were injured at Lalpora also.

SRINAGAR:

Pro-freedom protests were held at Dargah, Hazratbal after congregational Friday prayers, witnesses said. They said protests were staged at the end of the prayers in which pro-freedom slogans were raised. There was no untoward incident. A pro-freedom rally was organised on Friday in Chanapora area of Srinagar. It was led by JKLF vice-chairman Bashir Ahmed Bhat. The rally passed off peacefully. A major protest rally was held at Chottabazar in old Srinagar that culminated peacefully. Hundreds of people assembled at a park in Doodh Ganga Colony, Old Chanapora soon after the culmination of Friday prayers. A sit-in was held after Friday prayers in Nawa Kadal area of old city against the civilian killings in Kashmir by government forces.

Earlier, a protest rally was taken out from Masjid Sharief Khankah-i-Sokhta to Lukhriyar Nawa Kadal. The rally culminated at the Ansari Chowk where a sit-in was staged, which was led by Hurriyat (M) leader Masroor Ansari.

The protestors chanted pro-freedom and anti-India slogans.

Paramilitary forces beat up several newspaper hawkers. A hawker said a group of paramilitary troopers beat him up yesterday (Thursday) in Old City's Safa Kadal area while he was delivering newspapers.

Late evening clashes were reported from Rajouri Kadal, Nowhata, Khanyar, 90-feet Soura, Hawal and other areas. Clashes were also witnessed in Bemina, Chattabal, Safa Kadal, Chotabazar, Habba Kadal and other areas. Reports said clashes also broke out in Nowgam area of uptown after youth staged a torch procession.

Congregational prayers were not allowed at historic Jamia Masjid in old Srinagar for the sixth consecutive Friday. Auqaf Jamia Masjid has strongly condemned the continuous curbs, terming it as direct interference in religious affairs of people.

GEELANI/MIRWAIZ DETAINED

Police detained Hurriyat Conference (G) chairman Syed Ali Geelani and Hurriyat Conference (M) chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq when they tried to defy curbs and restrictions to lead a march towards Aripanthan, Beerwah. Geelani was lodged in police station Humhama while Mirwaiz in police station Nigeen. Pertinently, JKLF chairman Muhammad Yasin Malik continues to be in Central Jail Srinagar.

Meanwhile, Hurriyat leader Aga Syed Hassan Al Mousvi was also detained after he tried to march towards Aripanthan, Beerwah.

CENTRAL KASHMIR

At least 50,000 people assembled at Eidgah Aripanthan in Beerwah area of Central Kashmir’s Budgam district to offer congregational Fateh Khwani of four people killed in firing there
recently. Reports said the participants raised pro-freedom and pro-Islam slogans. When the youth were returning back to their respective areas, clashes broke out near Beerwah in which six people sustained pellet injuries. One of the injured was referred to Srinagar. Clashes broke out at Badran while at Ardina, at least 25 youth sustained pellet injuries during clashes of which six were referred to Srinagar hospital.

In Ganderbal district, protest rallies were held after Friday congregational prayers at Gund, Kangan, Manigam, Watlar, Safapora, Saloora, Beehama and Nagbal. Clashes erupted at Duderhama and Thune.

In Kangan, a peaceful protest rally was held.

Meanwhile, in district hospital Ganderbal, medicos and paramedical staff staged a protest against firearm injury caused to an Ambulance driver in CRPF firing in Srinagar.

POLICE VERSION:

According to a statement issued by Zonal Police Headquarters Kashmir, 21 incidents of stone pelting were reported after Friday prayers from Sopore, Shopian, Kulgam, Baramulla, Handwara, Bandipora and Pulwama. The statement said restrictions under section 144/CrPC remained in force in Kashmir on Friday. “Curfew was imposed in Srinagar, Baramulla, Kaloosa in Bandipora and in the towns of Anantnag, Shopian and Pampore,” it said.

The statement further said last evening, unknown militants hurled a grenade towards the residential house of ex-MLA Shopian, Sheikh Muhammad Rafi at village Kachdoora, Shopian which exploded without causing any damage. “A case stands registered in Police Station Shopian and investigation taken up,” it said.

SHUTDOWN IN BADERWAH

A complete shutdown was observed by members of Muslim community in Bhadarwah on Friday.
The shutdown call was given by Anjuman-e-Islamia Bhaderwah against the central and state government "for its criminal silence over sufferings of Kashmiri people for the past 41 days."

"People of Kashmir are going through worst form of brutalities, but surprisingly a criminal silence is being maintained by both Central and State government, which is further aggravating the problem and unrest is fast spreading to Chenab Valley and other parts of Jammu province,” said Anjuman-e-Islamia President Pervaiz Ahmed Sheikh.

(With additional reporting from Altaf Baba, Ejaz-ul Haq Bhat, Ghulam Muhammad, Sheikh Nazir, Showkat Dar,  Tahir Nadeem Khan)