In occupied Kashmir, people held forceful demonstrations in Srinagar, Sopore, Kokarnag and other areas, today, against the illegal detentions, killings and holding of the so-called elections in the territory.
A large number of people including Hurriyat leaders and activists held demonstrations and shouted high-pitched pro-freedom and anti-India slogans.
The Chairman of Hurriyat forum, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, addressing a gathering at Jamia Masjid in Srinagar, today, welcomed the newly-appointed UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet’s recent remarks wherein she expressed concern over human rights abuses in occupied Kashmir.
Meanwhile, complete shutdown was observed in Sopore and Zainageer areas of Baramulla district, today, to protest against the killing of Hurriyat activist, Hakeem-ur-Rehman Sultani, and youth by Indian troops.
All shops and business establishments remained closed in Sopore and Zaingeer areas while transport was off the road.
People took to the streets in Arampora area of Sopore to protest against the killings and demonstrators raised high-pitched anti-India and pro-freedom slogans.
Indian troops deployed in the area fired teargas shells to disperse the protesters, triggering clashes in the area.
Tehreek-e-Hurriyat Jammu and Kashmir, Muhammad Ashraf Sehrai, has paid glowing tributes to the youth martyred by Indian troops during cordon and search operations.
In a statement in Srinagar, he said that India’s intransigence is the main impediment in peaceful settlement of the lingering Kashmir dispute.