Political squabbling begins as conflict hits children in Kashmir

Political squabbling has started over children in Kashmir increasingly getting affected by actions of the police and security forces. In the past one week alone, six minors, including a girl, were severely injured and are battling for their lives in SMHS hospital here. The wards of the injured have demanded probes and have asked the Mufti Mohammad Sayeed government to rein in the police and security forces while dealing with protests in Kashmir.
The PDP has accused the National Conference of unleashing “terror” on the youth, especially on minors, when the latter was in government. National Conference general secretary Ali Muhammad Sagar said that it was shameful for Mufti to continue as police and other forces have started injuring even minors on the streets of Kashmir. There has been a debate in the media and public about the use of pellet guns, pepper gas and even tear-smoke grenades by the police. Sources said that the J&K police has recently purchased a lot of equipment to fight street protests, including tear-smoke grenades, to disperse protesters in Srinagar and other parts of Kashmir. PDP junior Health Minister Ayisa Naqesh has demanded a ban on the use of such items against protesting youth.

The PDP has accused the National Conference of unleashing ‘terror’ on the youth when the latter was in government. National Conference general secretary Ali Muhammad Sagar said that it was shameful for Mufti to continue as CM, as the police and other forces have started injuring even minors.

Amir Bilal Ahangar, 9, is battling for life in the burn ward of SMHS hospital after being hurt in police action in the Saraf Kadal area. Police was trying to disperse youngsters using the latest firearms, including some tear-smoke grenades. Amir’s father Bilal Ahmad runs an auto-rickshaw to feed his family. “Instead of helping us, police has started harassing us and has even questioned me in hospital,” Bilal told this newspaper. The police in Maharaj Gunj station said they were investigating the matter but don’t know how Amir was injured. Similarly, Iqra Jan, 12, daughter of Muhammad Rafiq Dar, and Owais Ahmad, 16, son of Muhammad Yousuf Dar, are also being treated for pellet injuries in the SMHS hospital. Locals in Awantipora held protests for three days demanding action against the Special Operations Group of J&K Police for injuring Iqra and Owais on 13 October.
On the same day, three persons were hurt when CRPF resorted to indiscriminate firing on the highway in Awantipora and targeted three youth clearing the traffic mess. Under public pressure, police has finally registered an FIR against unknown securitymen for injuring these youth.