Kupwara: Amid curfew, thousands of people participated in the last rites of Kupwara youth in Thregam area of the district.
Khalid Gaffar Malik (22), a shopkeeper was sitting at the shop front when the soldiers passing by fired live ammunition after they were pelted with stones by some youth in Trehgam yesterday amid a shutdown called by the Joint Resistance Leadership against civilian killings.
Reports said that amid restrictions and curfew thousands of people participated in the funeral procession of slain youth. The mourners chanted pro-freedom and anti India slogans. They waved green flags and denounce the killing of Khalid Gaffar whom they described as innocent. “Army soldiers went on rampage after a couple of youth pelted stones on them. They directly fired upon people and ransacked houses. The draconian AFSPA has encouraged them to the extent that they don’t hesitate to kill anyone who comes in their way,” said a youth to CNS who was part of funeral procession.
Eyewitnesses said that shortly after Khalid was laid to rest, agitated youth hit to roads and pelted stones on deployed forces. The Forces retaliated with tear-smoke shells. Many protesters were injured in the clashes.
An official said that curfew was imposed in Trehgam “as a precautionary measure” to maintain law and order. He said restrictions were imposed in other parts of the district.
Internet service had also been snapped in Kupwara district and various parts of North Kashmir. (CNS)
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