Thousands shout 'Go India, go back' and 'We want freedom' in IOK

Protests and clashes erupt after Indian forces kill 11 Kashmiris including Burhan Wani's successor Sabzar Ahmad Bhat


News Desk May 27, 2017
Clashes between rock-throwing protesters and government forces erupt in different places in Indian-occupied Kashmir. PHOTO: Reuters/File

Protests and clashes erupted in Indian-occupied Kashmir (IOK) on Saturday after Indian forces killed eleven Kashmiris, including Sabzar Ahmad Bhat, the successor of Burhan Muzaffar Wani, earlier in the day.

Clashes between rock-throwing protesters and government forces erupted in different places in the Kashmir valley, with police and paramilitary soldiers firing shotgun pellets and tear gas to stop the protests, San Francisco Chronicle reported.

Witnesses said a young man was killed and several other people were injured after government forces fired on the protesters.

As the news of the freedom fighter's killing spread in the region, thousands of people, including students, took to the streets shouting "Go India, go back" and "We want freedom."

Indian troops kill 11, including Burhan Wani's successor, in IOK

Traders shuttered shops and businesses across the Kashmir valley, including in the region's main city of Srinagar. Officials said clashes were reported in more than four dozen places in the region.

Dozens of civilians were reported injured in the clashes.

Authorities suspended most internet services in the region a day after they lifted a month-long ban on 22 social networking sites, including Facebook and Twitter. The social media ban on April 26 came after videos depicting the alleged abuse of Kashmiris by Indian forces fueled widespread protests.

Sources and villagers in Saimaoh Tral, Pulwama district of IOK, said Sabzar, a freedom fighter who commanded the Kashmiri youth, along with his two associates were first arrested on Saturday night and then killed in custody.

In the crackdown, eight freedom fighters were killed in Rampur and Uri areas of district Baramulla and three others, including Sabzar, in village Saimaoh Tral.

Protest held outside White House to condemn Indian atrocities in Kashmir

Anti-India sentiment runs deep among the region's mostly Muslim population and most people support the freedom fighters' cause against Indian rule despite a decades-long military crackdown.

Last year, similar massive protests followed by clashes roiled Kashmir following the killing of charismatic rebel leader Burhan Wani. His death led to months of protests and a security lockdown during which at least 90 people were killed and thousands injured. Hundreds were blinded or maimed by the firing of government forces.

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Jock | 6 years ago | Reply Go Back India.
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