SRINAGAR, Jammu & Kashmir—First causality has been reported in OccupiedKashmir post Indian decision of revoking the special status of IOK is aMuslim boy as Indian forces resort to pellet guns and live fire.
The Modi government’s decision to nullify Article 370link divide Jammu & Kashmirlink into two Unionterritories has claimed its first civilian victim—a 17-year-old boy namedOsaib Altaf, from Srinagar’s Palpora area—*HuffPost India *has learnt.
A visit to Maharaja Hari Singh Hospital, and interviews with hospitalauthorities, revealed 13 cases of pellet injuries. At least some of thesepellet injuries were to the eyes of victims.
Altaf’s family told *HuffPost India* that he was among a group of boys whowere cornered by Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel, on theafternoon of Monday August 5 2019, while the boys were at a playground. Thesame day home minister Amit Shah announced the government’s plans tobifurcate the state in the Rajya Sabha.Advertisement
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“All of them were cornered by CRPF men on a footbridge as they had comefrom two opposite sides of the bridge. Seeing no way out, the boys jumpedinto the river. While others were saved by the quick response of labourersextracting sand on the river, Osaib couldn’t make it. He didn’t knowswimming. He remained in the water for 20 minutes,” Altaf’s father,Mohammad Altaf Marazi, said*.*
Two of the boys were admitted to hospital by local people, while Altaf’sbody was brought home, said Marazi.