SRINAGAR – Five youths were martyred in Kulgam district on Sunday as Indianforces continue their state-sanctioned brutalities in occupied Kashmir.

According to a *Kashmir Media Service report*link,Indiansoldiers martyred the five youths during a cordon-and-search operation inthe district’s Kellam area.

The report states that the operation was jointly carried out by personnelof the Indian army’s 9 Rashtriya Rifles, Central Reserve Police Force andthe police’s Special Operation Group.

The occupying forces also destroyed a house in the operation.

The latest act of state-sanctioned brutality drew a strong reaction withhundreds of Kashmiris taking to the streets of Kellam in protest.

The Indian army’s use of excessive force left dozens of protesters injured,with most injuries caused by pellet guns.

As tensions prevailed, cellular and Internet services were suspended in thedistrict.

On India’s Republic Day on January 26, the occupying forces martyred twoKashmiris in Srinagar’s Khonmoh area.

Days earlier, on January 21, Indian troops martyred three Kashmiri youthsduring a cordon-and-search operation at Hapat Naalah in Charar-e-Sharifarea of Badgam district.

As per data collected by the Kashmir Media Service, at least 375 Kashmiris– including at least 35 minors and 10 women – were martyred by the Indianarmy in occupied Kashmir last year. – APP/AFP