SRINAGAR (Staff Report) – The total number of unarmed civilians killed by Indian forces has jumped to 83 as the curfew situation enters 44th day in Indian-held Kashmir.
In the latest development to this effect, military officials used pellet guns to target an ambulance carrying the injured to the hospital and killed the driver on Thursday night.
According to the Kashmir Media Service (KMS), more than 8,000 people, including children and women, have also been seriously wounded by the occupation forces since July 8, when Hurriyat Leaders announced the state-wide protests in reaction to the targeted killing pro-freedom fighter Burhan Wani.
Meanwhile, Hurriyat Leaders have urged Kashmiris to continue demonstrations and strikes against the Indian occupation till August 25. They also announced to lead a march to the District Headquarters, Srinagar on Saturday.
Indian media reported that forces have now also barred the vehicles carrying food supplies to the Jammu and Kashmir from entering the valley.
It is also pertinent to be mentioned here that that Burhan Wani’s death in an encounter with Indian forces was followed by deadly clashes with protesters in Indian Occupied Kashmir. Thousands of people attended his funeral in his native area of Tral on July 8.
After years of proving his mettle on the battle ground, Wani became the most senior Hizbul Mujahideen commander in the Kashmir Valley, by the tender age of 21.
Wani’s father has said that his son took the decision to join the armed resistance after he and his brother were stopped by Indian forces on their way home, only to be “assaulted and humiliated.”
“My son is not the first one. But if he dies for his self-respect and his people, he will be a martyr.” he explained.
Wani featured in videos and photos posing with weapons and taunting security forces, which were circulated on Facebook and WhatsApp in an attempt to recruit young Kashmiri men.
He also posted pictures of himself in battle fatigues holding an assault rifle and videos of his band of young fighters – a departure from the militant tradition of anonymity. He was said to be an expert in using social media and delivering fiery speeches.
His visibility on social media won him a loyal following among the region’s youth.
To avoid making his whereabouts known to the Indian authorities, he would use different accounts for his posts, which would receive thousands of shares within minutes of going live.
Local reports after his death revealed that cricket tournaments had been named after him and schoolchildren were acting out his life in plays.
In his last video statement on June 8, Wani urged Kashmiri police officers to stop supporting the “Indian occupation” and to join the struggle for “freedom”.
Indian authorities had previously announced a 10-lakh rupee reward for information leading to his arrest.
