J&K continues to boil: One more youngster dies; toll touches 5

Srinagar, April 15: One more youngster succumbed to his injuries as the death toll in firing by security forces in Natnoosa village in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir reached five on Friday. The forces opened fire to disperse protesters who were demonstrating against an alleged molestation attempt on Tuesday (April 12).

Dozens were also injured in the clashes.

According to eyewitnesses, several people assembled to stage protests against the killings in various parts of Kupwara and Handwara after Friday prayers. Four civilians were already killed following protests over the report of molestation.

During one such protest at Natnoosa, the protesters started pelting stones at an army camp. The personnel retaliated by opening fire on the protestors. Four of them were injured, one critically. He later succumbed. He was identified as Arif Hussain Dar, 18, of Aawora Kupwara.

As the news of the latest death spread, more people took to the streets in Kupwara and Handwara and staged massive protests, forcing the security personnel to use tear gas.

'People of Kashmir can't be cowed down by military power'

Meanwhile, Hurriyat (M) chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said the people of Kashmir could not be cowed down by the use of military power. He also termed the killing as "completely barbaric and inhuman" and asked for a complete shutdown on Saturday as a mark of protest.

He also asked the international community to take note of the incidents in the state.

Oneindia News