SRINAGAR – In occupied Kashmir, Indian forces in their fresh acts of stateterrorism, martyred four more Kashmiri youths in three districts to mediaoutlets based in the valley.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the killings, which took place inSrinagar, Badgam and Islamabad districts, took the number of martyredyoungsters to 18 since last Thursday.

The troops killed two youths at Panzan in Badgam and one in Dooru area ofIslamabad during search and cordon operations. Another youngster,identified as Muhammad Saleem Malik, was killed when the troops resorted tounprovoked firing on his house in Noorbagh area of Srinagar. An Indiansoldier was killed and two others were injured in an attack at Dooru inIslamabad, the Kashmir Media Service reported.

Thousands of people defied restrictions to attend funeral prayers of themartyrs. Meanwhile, clashes erupted between the mourners and Indiansecurity personnel when the body of martyr Saleem Malik was being carriedto Eidgah in Srinagar for burial.

The killings sparked protests and clashes between the demonstrators and theIndian forces in other areas as well. The protesters raisingpro-independence, pro-Pakistan and anti-India chants fought pitched battleswith Indian troops and police personnel in Panzam, Srinagar, Kulgam,Islamabad and other areas.