Indian troops kill four Kashmiris in Shopian

ISLAMABAD: Indian troops in their fresh act of state terrorism, killed four youths in Shopian district of occupied Kashmir on Wednesday.

The youths were killed during a cordon and search operation, which was launched by the personnel of Indian Army and paramilitary forces in Melhora area of the district,

the Kashmir Media Service (KMS) reported.

Indian police claimed that the youths were killed in a gunfight in Melhora village.

Besides, the Indian authorities suspended 2G internet service and blocked all entry and exit points in the area.

Meanwhile, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq-led Hurriyat forum has expressed serious concern over the continued house arrest and illegal detention of its chairman and other Hurriyat leaders, activists and youths.

According to the KMS, the forum’s spokesman issued a statement in Srinagar, saying Kashmiris were greatly concerned for the life and safety of their political prisoners and the youths locked up in different jails of occupied Kashmir and India.

“As the number of coronavirus cases is rapidly rising in India and occupied Kashmir, it makes these prisoners more vulnerable, especially the elderly and infirm among them,” he said, adding all these prisoners should be immediately released and sent home to ensure their safety, ahead of the holy month of Ramadan.

“The Mirwaiz, who is under arbitrary house arrest since 5th August 2019 along with all other leaders, should be set free,” he demanded.

The spokesman also condemned the harassment of Kashmiri journalists, especially Masrat Zahra and Peerzada Aashiq. He said the journalists were repeatedly being pressurised even as they were reporting in very distressing environment.

The spokesman extended greetings to the people of occupied Kashmir for the coming holy month of Ramadan. He said the people of the territory were grappling with coronavirus pandemic as well as the suspension of basic rights. “We pray that may this holy month bring an end to both,” he added.