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5 Civilians Killed in South Kashmir after Resumption of Anti Militancy Operations

June 27

After central government ordered to resume anti militancy operations in Kashmir, since then five civilians have been killed in south Kashmir.

The first one was Sheeraz Ahmed of Brakpora area of Islamabad (Anantnag) district in South Kashmir who was killed soon during clashes that erupted in Anantnag town after Eid prayers.

Sheeraz who was killed near Eidgah Ashajipora that is about 3 kms from his house.

“Sheeraz was hit with multiple pellets and fell unconscious” an eyewitness told The Kashmiriyat adding that we rushed him to district hospital Islamabad where he was declared brought dead.

Hanifa Banoo, the mother of slain Sheeraz said that he had pellets all over his body including neck, throat, chest, face and abdomen and his death happened due to pellets, however the local police claimed that Sheeraz died after a grenade exploded in his hand.

Sheeraz, a graduate was taking care of all family affairs as his father has died before 6 years, says his cousin while adding that he was also taking care of his ailing mother.

Aijaz Ahmad from Nowpora area of South Kashmir’s Kulgam District was the second civilian who was killed in government action in last ten days.

The Government Forces said that the youth threw stones on them and provoked them to fire, however the civilians in the area told The Kashmiriyat not a single stone was thrown on forces and they fired with our any provocation.

Aijaz has left behind 2 daughters, a brother, wife and parents.

Muhammad Yousuf Rather was killed and his wife has injured during encounter at Nowshera khiram area of Islamabad district.

Yousuf, the house owner according to government forces was killed during initial exchange of fire between militants and forces, his wife was also injured in the firing, his son was immediately taken into detention.

Four militants including ISJK chief and a cop were also killed during encounter.

Shahid Nazir hajam son of Nazir Ahmad hajam resident of Sirhama Islamabad who had bullet  injury in his head during clashes near encounter site Nowshera succumbed to his injuries two days later at SKIMS.

Shahid, a tenth drop out belonging to financially weak family has left behind parents, one sister and one brother.

Yawar Ahmed Dar resident of Gassipora area of Kulgam district was killed during clashes that erupted during encounter at chidder Matalhama area of Kulgam district in which two militants including Let commander were killed and one was apprehended alive.

Yawar was shot in his chest about three kilometres away from encounter site, from where he was shifted to district hospital in Islamabad where doctors declared him brought dead.

Yawar a school drop out who was driving an auto is survived by parents, a brother and two sisters.

Civilian killings have been on rise as more protesters rush to the encounter sites to help the Militants escape from the sites.

In 2018’s First six months, at least 20 Civilians have been killed near Encounter sites, while as per reports more than 30,000 civilians have lost their lives since an armed insurgency challenging the Indian rule upon Jammu Kashmir began in 1988.

The Himlayan region divided between India and Pakistan, the Asian neighbours have fought three wars claiming the region in its entirety.