Thousands protest youth’s killing in Indian Kashmir

SRINAGAR: Thousands of people on Saturday defied strict security restrictions and marched to chants of “we want freedom” in Srinagar to protest the death of teenager Tufail Ahmed Matoo.

The 17-year-old was killed in downtown Srinagar on Friday during clashes between anti-India protesters and riot police, after which thousands of police and paramilitary sealed off neighbourhoods to stop more demonstrations.

But as the student’s body arrived at his home in Srinagar, thousands of protesters marched in defiance of the police, who fired shots into the air and used teargas in an unsuccessful attempt to halt the protest march.

“Security forces have ordered us not to venture out. They say a curfew has been imposed,” resident Tanveer Ahmed told AFP by telephone.

Police denied imposing a curfew in some areas.

“We are enforcing restrictions on civilian movement to maintain law and order,” police officer Pervez Ahmed said. The police also said that they are investigating the teenager’s death.

In other parts of Srinagar, where security restrictions were not imposed, a spontaneous strike closed down shops, offices and businesses.

Tensions in the region have been running high after local police accused the military of killing three civilians in April.

The army initially said they had killed three armed rebels but later ordered an enquiry and initiated action against two officers.

Meanwhile, Syed Ali Gillani was also arrested on Saturday, PPI added. The veteran Kashmiri leader was taken into custody following Matoo’s death.

Published in the Express Tribune, June 13^th, 2010.