Conflict

Sabzar Killing Backlash: ‘One dead among eight hit by bullets, pellets injure 30 others’

FPK file photo by Vikar Syed.

Srinagar: Dozens of civilians were injured in forces’ action on Saturday, as protests erupted across Kashmir when news about death of a top Hizb ul Mujahideen commander, Sabzar Ahmad Bhat, spread.

In an encounter which started last evening in Saimoo village of Tral, two Hizb militants were killed this morning, triggering widespread protests which turned violent after the armed forces tried to block them.

One civilian was killed near the encounter site, when forces opened fire injuring at least twenty youth. The deceased was identified as Maulvi Aqib of Khanqah area of Tral.

Protests were reported from Anantnag, Pulwama, Shopian, Srinagar, Baramulla, Kupwara and Bandipora districts.

Speaking to the FreePressKashmir, medical Superintendent of Shopian district hospital, Dr Nazir Ahmad, said that the hospital received ten pellet injured civilians.

“One youth who was injured by pellets in left eye was referred to SMHS Hospital Srinagar,” he said. However, a shopkeeper – an eye witness to the situation – said that at least fifteen civilians were injured.

“Many of the injured did not go to the main hospital, but preferred to stay silent and got medical aid at local health facilities,” he said without giving his real name.

A health official from Pulwama hospital said that eight injured civilians were brought to the hospital, who were discharged after being treated.

“Three of the eight injured were hit by pellets,” he said.

Chief Medical Officer, Anantnag, Dr Fazil Kochak told the FreePressKashmir that thirteen injured persons were received by the district hospital.

“One youth, who was brought from Mattan, has been referred to Srinagar for advanced treatment and rest twelve persons were discharged after given treatment,” Dr Kochak said.

The youth from Mattan has been identified as Sameer Bhat, son of Bashir Ahmad, a resident of Cheher area. He was hit by a tear gas shell in his head. Doctors at SMHS Hospital said that he has been operated upon and is under observation.

Tral – the home town of Sabzar and Faizan – witnessed massive clashes during which many civilians were injured. Out of four bullet hit youth, one succumbed. He was identified as Maulvi Aqib of Khanqah Tral.

Speaking to the FreePressKashmir, BMO Tral, Dr Shakeel said, “The sub-district hospital Tral received twenty five injured persons.”

He said that out of twenty five injured persons, “eight were hit by bullets while seventeen others had pellet injuries”.

“One among the bullet hit persons died.”

SMHS Hospital Srinagar received sixteen injured civilians.

Giving details, Dr Nazir Choudhary, the MS, told the FreePressKashmir, “five persons were hit by pellets in their eyes. Six persons are injured by bullets while one youth from Mattan has been hit by tear gas canister and still remains critical.”

He added that the other persons were injured “due to use of force” during the protests.

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