Day 64 of Kashmir shut down. One more youth died of pellet firing. A 23-year-old was killed in forces action in Batengoo village of south Kashmir’s Anantnag district on Saturday, taking the overall death toll in the current uprising to 78. The deceased has been identified as Yawar Ahmad, son of Mushtaq Ahmad.
Medical Superintendent District Hospital Anantnag Dr Majeed Mehrab said: “The youth had suffered pellet injuries in his chest and abdomen. He was declared dead on arrival.”
Earlier, a 25-year-old youth died after suffering a head injury during clashes in Tukroo village of Shopian in south Kashmir on Saturday.
The youth, identified as Sayar Ahmad Sheikh, son of Shameem Ahmad Sheikh, a resident of Ganawpora Shopian was declared dead on arrival at PHC Rajpora, said a doctor.
A police official confirmed the killing, saying Sayar was hit by a teargas shell.
Meanwhile, minister of State for External Affairs V.K. Singh, also a former Indian Army chief, on Saturday described pellet firing as non-lethal and said it was a “sensible and well-thought” decision by the Union Home Ministry to use the weapon for controlling protesting crowds in the Kashmir Valley. However, pellet firings have caused at least six deaths. Hundreds of civilians, including minors, have lost their eyesight partially or fully after they were hit by pellets in the restive valley.
