Seven youth martyred, Muharram procession stopped in Indian-occupied Kashmir

Indian troops in their fresh act of state terrorism martyred three more Kashmiri youth in South Kashmir,  raising the number of the slain youth to seven from yesterday.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the troops martyred the three youth during a cordon and search operation in Zadoora area of Pulwama district in South Kashmir in the wee hours today.

Earlier, an Indian soldier was killed in an attack in the same area. The operation continued till last reports came in.

The troops martyred four youth during a similar operation in Kiloora area of Shopian district of South Kashmir, yesterday.

Meanwhile, Indian authorities prevented Muharram processions by imposing strict restrictions across the Kashmir Valley and arresting dozens of mourners.

The occupation authorities further tightened restrictions in Srinagar, Badgam, Baramulla and other areas to stop people from taking out Muharram processions, today.

The commercial hub of Lal Chowk and adjoining areas of Srinagar were completely sealed. The Indian troops and police personnel deployed in strength across the occupied territory had blocked main roads by laying barricades and with concertina wires. However, defying restrictions, people tried to take out Muharram processions in Srinagar and other areas. The mourners were holding banners reading slogans like “Free Kashmir”. Indian police and troops dragged and arrested dozens of mourners after subjecting the processionists to brute force at various places.

Traditionally, the procession of 8th day of Muharram in Srinagar would commence from Shaheed Gunj area, pass through MA Road and later culminate at Imam Bargah Dalgate. However, during the past 31 years, the authorities have not allowed the processions, fearing these turning into big anti-India rallies.

Hurriyat leaders, Muhammad Yousuf Naqash, Khawaja Firdous and Yasmeen Raja, in their statements in Srinagar denounced the use of brute force on Muharram processions in Srinagar, Badgam and other parts of the Kashmir Valley. They termed the imposition of restrictions by the authorities as interference in the religious affairs of the Muslims.

The Jammu and Kashmir Young Mens League Chairman, Imtiaz Ahmed Reeshi, in his statement denounced the harassment of the party activists by the Indian authorities. He said that such colonial and arbitrary methods used by the occupation authorities would not be able to force the party activists to abandon their pro-freedom political activities.