Protests rock IOK after Indian forces kill three

A complete shutdown is being observed across the Kokernag area of Indian-Occupied Kashmir (IOK) following the killing of three youth by Indian forces, Kashmir Media Service (KMS) reported.

Syed Owais Shafi, Eisa Fazili and Sabzwar Ahmed Sofi were shot dead on Monday during a search in held-Kashmir's Hakoora area. The killings sparked massive clashes between protesters and Indian forces across IoK.

Thousands participated in the funeral prayers of those killed. Hurriyat leaders including Muhammad Rafiq Owaisi and Muhammad Ashraf Laya were also present on the occasion. Multiple funerals were held across Shafi’s native Gohan-Vailoo village in Kokernag.

In a separate incident on Tuesday, a 25-year-old was killed in a landmine explosion in the Awantipora area of Pulwana district.

According to KMS, Ashiq Hussain Chopan was grazing his livestock, in the Jawbara area near firing range of the Indian army, when he reportedly came into contact with a landmine. Chopan, critically wounded in the explosion, was rushed to a nearby hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.