Woman among many injured in Indian army operation in Kulgam

Several people, including a woman, were injured when Indian Army subjected locals to ruthless beating during its operation in Howur Mishpora area of Kulgam district.

This sparked anti-India protests, which were handled with force by police in which many more got injuries. The locals said the army cordoned off Howur, Mishpora village and announcements were made asking them to come out of their houses. “When we came out army started beating us, including women, without any provocation.” Said one of the locals. They said several people received injuries including a 40-year-old woman Safiya Bano.

Bano, who was seriously injured in the crackdown, is being treated at a hospital in the district. Agitated by the army highhandedness the people held protest demonstrations as the troopers were leaving the village. Army fired shots to quell the protests; however the villagers were joined by people from adjoining area fuelling the protests further.

Police rushed to the spot and used tear smoke shells and firing to disperse the protesting villagers. The area remained tense throughout the day and a complete shutdown was observed.

Meanwhile, the forum led by the veteran Hurriyet leader, Syed Ali Gilani and the All Parties Hurriyet Conference in their separate statements condemned the army action and said, “Forces are very frustrated and that is the reason they are harassing and using excessive force against the common people of Kashmir.”

They said the use of force to curb public protest against such excesses clearly indicates that terrorizing Kashmiris to submission is a set and continuous policy of the regime. Terming the nocturnal raids at houses of the supporters of Kashmir struggle in Srinagar and other areas of the valley and arrest of youth including students as retributive tactics, the Hurriyet forums strongly condemned it.