Another youth succumbs to injuries raising death toll to 20 in Indian held Kashmir

The death toll of martyred youth by Indian forces’ in Indian held Kashmir has risen to 20 after another youth succumbed at Soura hospital in Srinagar on Monday.

The martyred youth was identified as Iqbal Butt, of Khasipora Shopian. Reports said that Iqbal had received bullet injury in his abdomen.

The clashes erupted on Sunday when Indian forces raided homes at Shopian and Islamabad districts to arrest their wanted men.

In the clashes, more than a dozen were killed in different firing and siege operations launched by Indian troops in the occupied south Kashmir. Three army men were also killed in the attacks in same districts, the police claimed.

Over 100 civilians were injured and many of them are critical. In the operations, troops destroyed four residential houses as well, reports said.

However, the police said, “A raid was conducted to arrest militants where four were killed in Kachdoora encounter and the identity of fifth one the police is ascertaining.”

“Three army men were also killed and a civilian namely Zubair Ahmad Bhat resident of Gopalpora received bullet wounds in crossfire and subsequently succumbed to his injuries,” a police official said.

Meanwhile, in a joint press conference by police, army and paramilitary CRPF, the top officials of the forces’ said on Saturday night they launched anti-militancy operations at the south Kashmir three places, following information about the presence of large number of militants.

Hurriyat leaders and organizations have condemned the killing of civilians by Indian troops in Drargad and Kachdora areas of South Kashmir.

Hurriyat forum Chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq in a statement in Srinagar condemning the recent killings by Indian troops, said, “As long as Govt of India address the political and humanitarian problem of Kashmir militarily and through force Kashmiri will continue to die or be forced to pick up arms for resistance.”

Sources: Kashmir and International media