Shutdown in Doda, Kishtwar over youth’s killing by Indian forces
Massive protests erupt in Bhaderwah as family, locals demand justice
Jammu: A complete shutdown is being observed across Kishtwar and Doda districts of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) following the killing of a Kashmiri youth by Indian forces in Bhaderwah area of Doda district.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the shutdown call was jointly given by the Markazi Jamia Masjid Kishtwar and Anjuman Islamia Bhaderwah. Markets, business establishments, educational institutions and public transport remained closed across most parts of the two districts.
The youth, identified as Arif Hussain, was martyred after personnel of the Indian police’s Special Operations Group (SOG) opened indiscriminate fire during a cordon and search operation (CASO) along the Jai-Gandoh road in Bhaderwah area of
Doda on Friday. During the operation, the forces also detained a religious preacher.
As news of the killing spread, hundreds of people assembled outside Jamia Masjid before taking out a march through the town, raising slogans against the occupation authorities. The protesters demanded the registration of an FIR, a transparent judicial inquiry into the incident and strict action against those responsible for the killing.
Grieving family members and local residents later staged a sit-in and blocked the Doda–Bhaderwah road at Bhala, disrupting traffic for several hours. Family members said that Arif Hussain had gone to the scenic hill resort of Jai, nearly 25 kilometres from Bhaderwah town, for a picnic when he was killed during the operation.
Following the incident, authorities deployed additional contingents of the Indian paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and police across Bhaderwah and adjoining areas, while a large-scale search operation is ongoing in the Jai area.
The authorities also suspended mobile internet services in Bhaderwah and parts of Doda district in an attempt to prevent information about the killing from spreading and to suppress public protests against the incident.
