Treat Kashmiris as own people; High Court raps Centre on pellet gun injuries

The Jammu and Kashmir High Court on Monday asked security forces and the central government to treat Kashmiris like their own people and not aliens while controlling crowds.
In its observations made while hearing a PIL against the use of pellet or pump guns in Kashmir, the court asked the Centre to explain why the injuries suffered by people are above the knees — mostly in the eyes.
“You are not treating them as your own people,” observed Chief Justice N Paul Vasanthakumar and Justice Muzaffar Hussain Attar while hearing the PIL.
“Why don’t you think about it (use of pellet guns)? Your own Home Minister said avoid its use… Why don’t you find alternative methods?” the judges told the assistant Solicitor general of India. The next hearing on the case is on August 9.
Meanwhile, a 45-year-old man from Anantnag district died in a Srinagar hospital on Monday, succumbing to injuries received a few days ago during clashes.
The death has taken the toll in the ongoing clashes to 51, apart from the over 5,600 injured since Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani was gunned down in an encounter on July 8.
The Valley remained shut for the 24th straight day with curfew and restrictions in place and the separatists extending the shutdown call till August 5.
Also on Monday chief of the hardliner Hurriyat faction Syed Ali Shah Geelani led a graffiti drawing campaign.
Geelani came out of his home at Hyderpora in Srinagar – where he is under house-arrest – and participated in writing pro-Azaadi slogans on the walls. In a photo being shared widely on social media, Geelani is seen writing “Go India Go Back” in dark red ink.
Mobile internet services and outgoing calls on pre-paid services continued to remain snapped in the entire Valley.