Protests in Indian-administered Kashmir after youth allegedly killed by army

Protests in Indian-administered Kashmir after youth allegedly killed by army

2012-02-13 07:15:12 GMT+7 (ICT)

SRINAGAR (BNO NEWS) -- Protests broke out in India-administered Kashmir on Saturday over the death of a young man who was allegedly killed as the result of firing by security forces, the Press Trust of India (PTI) reported on Sunday.

Ashiq Hussain, 22, died after being hit by a bullet on Friday night outside his home in Lesar village in Baramulla district. Local residents alleged that Hussain was killed in firing by army personnel who were present in the area at the time.

Scores of local residents staged protests against the killing and have refused to bury the body of the youth until the soldiers allegedly involved in the killing are arrested, the news report said.

In a statement, a defense spokesman said on Friday night that the army and police launched a joint operation following information about the presence of militants in the area. "At about 9.00 PM, some firing was reported and it is believed that a civilian has been killed in the firing. Due to darkness there are problems in ascertaining the details at present," the spokesman said.

Last month, shops and other businesses across Indian-administered Kashmir were shut down to protest the killing of a student demonstrator by security forces. Altaf Ahmad Sood was killed when Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) guards allegedly fired at people who had gathered outside of a power plant to protest against poor power supply in the area.

The mostly Muslim Kashmir region frequently witnesses anti-government demonstrations and clashes. A guerrilla war is still ongoing between militants and the Indian troops stationed in Kashmir, which is divided into parts administered by India and Pakistan.

The Indian government says more than 45,000 people - including civilians, militants and troops - have died in the region over the past two decades.

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