The death toll in the latest clashes in the Indian-held Kashmir has risen to 43 with the killing of two more youth by Indian forces and succumbing of another injured.
The protest was triggered by the killing of top commander of Hizbul Mujahideen, Burhan Muzaffar Wani, on July 8.
In a bid to crush freedom uprising in the divided Kashmir, television broadcast has been suspended and newspaper offices have been sealed.
To prevent coverage of the grave human rights violation in the valley, many journalists have also been picked up.
Senior Hurriyat leaders, while extending their strike call for another three days, thanked the Pakistani government for supporting their freedom cause.
A youth, Mushtaq Ahmad Ganai, was killed when Indian troops opened fire on protesters at Tangibal Khurmiyal in Lolab area of Kupwara district while another youth identified as Sayar Ahmad Kumar was shot dead by Indian police by firing upon peaceful protesters at Yaripora in Kulgam, the Kashmir Media Service reported.
Meanwhile, a youth, Hilal Ahmad of Batamaloo succumbed to his injuries in a hospital. He had sustained injuries in the firing of police and paramilitary personnel on protesters early this week.
Internet and mobile networks across large parts of the territory remained suspended but the blocks have not stopped the spread of unrest.
The protesters in Drugmulla area of Kupwara said that Indian police fired upon them while an army helicopter also opened fire and lobbed shells on them. Another report from Drugmulla said that army personnel thrashed the attendants who were ferrying injured to Srinagar in a vehicle.
Over 2,500 people have been injured so far due to the firing of bullets, pellets and teargas shells by Indian troops and police on peaceful demonstrations during the ongoing Intifada. More than 120 persons have received pellet injuries in eyes and many of them have lost their eyesight.
On the other hand, the Indian forces continue to impose curfew and other restrictions in the territory on the 8th consecutive day today (Saturday) to stop people from protesting against the innocent killings by Indian forces. Internet service and mobile services have been suspended to stop people from informing the world about the latest situation of the occupied territory.
The authorities have put the Chairman of All Parties Hurriyet Conference, Syed Ali Gilani, and all other Hurriyet leaders including Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Muhammad Yasin Malik, Shabbir Ahmad Shah, Agha Syed Hassan Al-Moosvi Al-Safvi, Mohammad Ashraf Sehrai, Nayeem Ahmad Khan, Shahid-ul-Islam, Altaf Ahmed Shah, Javaid Ahmed Mir, Mukhtar Ahmed Waza, Zafar Akbar Butt, Qazi Yasir, Ayaz Akbar and many others under house arrest or illegal detention. The action is aimed at preventing the leaders from leading demonstrations against the killings.
