Youth’s death sparks fresh violence in Kashmir

The death of another youth in Kashmir on Tuesday brought people out on the streets again. The death toll in clashes between people and policemen has risen to 58 since June 11.

Mohammad Abbas Dhobi, 20, who sustained spinal cord injuries in a clash with security forces on August 13, died on Tuesday. He had been admitted to the Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS).

“Around 300 people pelted stones and bricks on security forces in Mattan, Anantnag, on August 13. The forces cane-charged the mob and chased them away. There was a stampede during this and Dhobi was injured. He was referred to SKIMS. Doctors tried their best to save his life,” a police spokesman said.

Local people and Dhobi’s family disputed that story. They said he was badly beaten up by security forces. The death sparked off anger in Anantnag district. People pelted stones on security forces. Shops and business establishments, which had opened in response to a plea from Hurriyat hawk Syed Ali Shah Geelani, again shut down in protest.

There were reports of stone pelting from Bemina and other areas too. Hundreds of youth forced shops and business establishments to down shutters.

“A mob surrounded a vehicle belonging to the J&K armed police at Palhallan and started pelting stones. In response, the policemen fired some shots. Had they not done it, the mob would have lynched them. Three persons were injured in the incident. Their condition is stable.  Stray incidents of stone pelting were also reported from Khanabal, Anantnag and Pulwama,” the police spokesman said.