In yet another low, Indian military troops open fire at funeral prayers in IOK, several mourners including women hit

In yet another low, Indian military troops open fire at funeral prayers in IOK, several mourners including women hit

SRINAGAR – Dozens of people, including women, were injured after Indian troops opened fire at mourners gathered for funeral prayers of a martyred youth, Zeenat-ul-Islam at Sugan in Occupied Kashmir’s Shopian district.

According to Kashmir Media Service (KMS), the troops laid barricades on roads to prevent people from participating in the funeral of the martyred youth. However, the mourners defied the restrictions and assembled in the village in a large number to perform his last rites.

The troops fired bullets, pellets and teargas shells to disperse the mourners. The use of force triggered clashes between the mourners and the troops. Critically injured mourners were shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Reports said that a girl identified as Shoky Jan was among the injured. She was shifted to district hospital Shopian for treatment.

Yesterday, Indian troops martyred Zeenat-ul-Islam alias Dr Usman and his associate during a cordon and search operation in Katapora village in Kulgam district.

Most Kashmiris support the rebel cause that the territory be united either under Pakistani rule or as an independent country while also participating in civilian street protests against Indian control.

Nearly 70,000 people have been killed in the uprising and the ensuing Indian crackdown.