Srinagar: As political parties are busy in campaigning for Parliament elections, this day on 9 April 2017, government forces gunned down 8 youth on polling day for the same Parliament elections in Kashmir Valley.
On 9 April 2017, by-election for Parliament was conducted for Srinagar-Budgam seat. The People’s Democratic Party’s Nazir Ahmad Khan and National Conference’s Farooq Abdullah were in the fray to secure the parliament seat. At most of the polling stations of more than 1,500, government forces deployed outnumbered the voters. With negligible response from the people, that first phase of by-elections had been marred by a low voting percentage (7.1%), massive protests, internet gag and civilian killings.
At least 8 youth were killed and over 150 persons wounded in those what officials called ‘failed’ elections.
The slain were Faizan Fayaz Dar (15), Abass Jahangir (22) of Dalwan Pakharpora, Shabir Ahmed Bhat (22) of Dawlatpora Chadoora, Nisar Ahmed Mir (25) of Ratsun Beerwah, Akeel Ahmed Wani (22) of Churmujroo Beerwah, Adil Farooq Sheikh (19) of Yarigund Kawoosa Khalisa, Amir Ahmed Rather (20) of Dadwanpora Chadoora and Omar Farooq Ganie (21) of Barsoo Ganderbal. (CNS)
