SRINAGAR: Dozens of people have been injured in anti-India clashes that erupted in India-held Kashmir following a gun-battle between ‘militants’ and government forces.
Police say the gunbattle began on Thursday after soldiers and police cordoned off southern Arwani village, and suspected rebels hiding there began firing in an attempt to break through the siege. As the fighting raged, thousands of people from neighbouring villages marched to Arwani in an attempt to help the trapped ‘militants’ escape. Indian forces fired shotgun
pellets and tear gas to disperse the rock-throwing protesters. Witnesses said at least 40 civilians were injured in the clashes.
Meanwhile, Indian troops, in fresh acts of state terrorism, martyred four Kashmiri youth in Islamabad district on Thursday. According to Kashmir Media Service, the troops killed three youth during a siege and search operation in Arwani area of the district. The killings triggered massive anti-India demonstrations in Islamabad and Kulgam districts. People took to the streets in Arwani, Bijbehara, Sangam, Vesu, Qazigund, Islamabad, Qaimoh, Khudwani, Kulgam and other areas. They shouted pro-freedom, pro-Pakistan and anti-India slogans.
Indian police and troops resorted to heavy teargas shelling and lathi-charge to disperse the protesters. One civilian was killed and many others were injured.
