Thursday, March 28News and updates from Kashmir

17 Civilians Killed this Year in Forces Firing in Shopian

August 11

As many as fourteen civilians have been killed in the firing of Government Forces in Shopian district alone.

As per figures available to The Kashmiriyat Shopian District has been the worst hit, the district witnessed four civilian killings on a single day on March 4 at Pehnoo area.

On 27 January, two civilians namely Javaid Ahmed and Suhail Ahmed were killed by government forces when army fired on a group of protesters at Ganopora area in Shopian.

Later one more among the injured namely Rayees Ahmed a 19 year old youth also succumbed to his injuries at skims on January 31.

On March 04, four civilians were killed by army under uncertain circumstances at Pehnoo area in Shopian. Army called them over ground workers however it fails to hold ground as this claim was refuted by their families as well as friends and locals.

They were identified as Suhail Khalil of Pinjura, Mohammad Shahid khan of Malik gund, Shahnawaz wagay of Langandoora Trenz and Gowhar Ahmed lone of Moolu Chitragam.

Two local militants belonging to shopian district were also killed in the incident.

On Ist April, Mushtaq Ahmed thoker son of Gh Mohammad thoker resident of sugan was killed at encounter site by government forces where seven local militants all from shopian distrct were Killed.

On same day, Mohammad Iqbal bhat son of Manzoor Ahmed bhat resident of Khasipora shopian was killed near encounter site kachdoora, where two more civilians of Kulgam dist and five local militants( Four from shopian) were also killed.

On 11 April a minor namely Fazil alahi of Melhoora shopian was killed near encounter site Khudwani along with 3 other civilians of Kulgam district.

On May 02, Omar Ahad son of Abdul Ahad kumar resident of Pinjura shopian was killed during clashes at Turkwangam area of shopian district however militants managed to escape.

On May 06, six civilians(one from shopian district) and five militants( 3 from shopian) including Sadam padder were killed in Badigam area of shopian district.

On 11 July, 2 militants from shopian district were killed in an encounter at kundulan village.

On 03 August, 5 militants (4 from shopian) were killed in an encounter at kiloora area of shopian district while as during clashes at funeral of one slain militant a civilian namely Bilal Ahmad khan of Pujoo kral check village was killed.

Despite frequent encounters new youth continue to join ranks and at present as per official figures around 30 local militants are active in district.