Four more youth lost their lives to yet another act of state terrorism by Indian security forces in the Pulwama district of Indian-occupied Kashmir on Monday. They were said to be martyred during a gun battle under the guise of a search operation.
According to information gathered from media sources, the youth were killed during a ‘cordon and search operation’ in the Lassipora area of the district.
Three Indian troops were also critically injured in the exchange of fire while the local police claimed that the identity of the martyred youth was being ascertained.
To further suppress civil freedoms, Indian authorities also suspended internet services in the districts of Pulwama and Shopian. Indian troops have launched a violent cordon and search operation in Qazigund and Veernag areas.
Occupied Kashmir remains the most militarised zone over the world wherein over 500,000 Indian troops have been deployed to fight a rebellion, which broke out in 1989. Tens of thousands of people, mainly civilians, have been martyred in the ensuing conflict. Violence in the Himalayan region spiked, especially after 2016. Last year alone, nearly 600 Kashmiris lost their lives to violence in the disputed valley, making 2018 the “deadliest year in a decade.