Srinagar, August 04, 2018 (PPI-OT): In occupied Kashmir, Indian troops in their fresh acts of state terrorism martyred seven Kashmiris, today, raising the number of killing to eleven during the last three days. The troops killed five youth during a violent cordon and search operation in Kilora area of Shopian district, today.
A civilian identified as Bilal Ahmed Khan was martyred after Indian troops opened fire on protesters in Ganowpora area of the district following the funeral prayers of one of the martyred youth. An unarmed youth was killed by the troops in Bathindi area of Jammu on the pretext that he tried to forcibly enter the residence of former puppet Chief Minister, Farooq Abdullah. The troops had killed two youth in Khumrial area of Kupwara on Thursday and as many in Dursoo area of Sopore, yesterday.
Thousands of people attended the funeral prayers of the martyred youth in their native areas. Dozens of people sustained injuries in the firing of bullets, pellets and teargas shells on peaceful protesters in Kilora, Ganowpora and other areas of Shopian and at Yannar in Pahalgam. Hurriyat leaders, Javaid Ahmed Mir and Muhammad Yousuf Naqash visited SMHS Hospital in Srinagar and enquired about the well-being of the youth injured in brutal actions of the Indian forces’ personnel in various areas of Shopian.
Meanwhile, complete shutdown was observed in Kupwara and in Sopore towns and their adjoining areas to mourn the killing of youth. The occupation authorities deployed Indian troops and police personnel in strength in these areas to prevent people from staging demonstrations against the killings. The authorities also suspended mobile internet services in Shopian district, today. Hurriyat leaders including Syed Ali Gilani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Muhammad Ashraf Sehrai, Muhammad Yasin Malik, Zafar Akbar Butt, Farida Bahenji, Shabbir Ahmed Dar, Muhammad Iqbal Mir, Muhammad Ahsan Untoo, Imtiaz Ahmed Reshi and Ghulam Nabi War in their statements paid rich tributes to the martyred youth.
On the other hand, two-day shutdown will be observed from tomorrow to protest against the onslaught on the Article 35-A of the Indian Constitution that grants special rights and privileges to the permanent residents of Jammu and Kashmir and bars the non-Kashmiris from purchasing land and property in the territory. Call for the shutdown has been given by the Joint Resistance Leadership comprising Syed Ali Gilani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Muhammad Yasin Malik and supported by trader bodies and civil society organizations.
The shutdown is aimed at expressing resentment against the hearing in the Indian Supreme Court on Monday of a petition seeking repeal of Article 35-A. The abrogation of this constitutional provision will pave way for the Indian citizens to permanently settle in occupied Kashmir that will subsequently result in change in the demographic composition of the territory.
Prominent leader of Kargil Muslims, Sheikh Mohammad Hussain Lutfi, addressing a gathering in the town said that the people of Kargil stand united with all other people of Jammu and Kashmir to safeguard the Article 35-A. People held demonstrations in Rajouri district of Jammu region against the attempts to repeal the Article 35-A.
Indian police arrested two innocent youth from Pantha Chhowk area of Srinagar labelling them as Over-Ground Workers of mujahideen. Indian Army picked up brother of a martyred youth from his residence in Lurgam area of Tral in Pulwama district during night hours and subjected him to torture.
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