In occupied Kashmir, hundreds of people defying curfew and other restrictions held a forceful demonstration in Srinagar against India’s illegal occupation and scraping of special status of the territory.

Defying strict curfew and other restrictions, nearly one thousand people including men, women and children took part in a demonstration in Soura area after Friday prayers, yesterday. 

Indian troops fired pellets and teargas shells to disperse the protesters, triggering intense clashes between the demonstrators and the troops. Several people were injured in the brutal use of force by the troops.

The occupation authorities had further tightened curfew and other restrictions on Friday to prevent people from conducting a march towards the UN office at Sonawar in Srinagar against India’s anti-Kashmir moves and its illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir.

Call for the march was given by the resistance leaders through posters appearing in Srinagar and other parts of the Kashmir valley.

The march was also aimed at resisting the Indian attempt to change the demography of Kashmir through settlement of the outsiders in the territory.

Due to severe curfew and restrictions, Juma prayers could not be held at Srinagar’s historic Jamia Masjid and in many mosques in Kashmir, Chanab and Peer Panchal valleys.

NNR/Hassan