Kashmir: CRPF vehicle runs over 3 while being attacked, 1 died

Srinagar: A 21-year-old Kashmiri civilian who sustained injuries on Friday after being run over by a speedy CRPF vehicle died on Saturday.

The deceased identified as Kaiser Ahmad was the most critically injured one of the three young men who was run over by a CRPF vehicle in Nowhatta area after got stuck amid a mob of stone pelters.

Kaiser, a resident of Namchabal Fateh Kadalwas admitted at Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) breathed his last on Friday afternoon, said hospital sources.

Kaiser, after his parents death was with his aunt along with his two sisters.

The photo taken by an Associate Press photographer has now went viral on social media platforms eliciting angry reactions.

Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah criticised the state government for the incident. He said on his twitter page: “Ceasefire means no guns so use jeeps.

“Earlier they tied people to the fronts of jeeps and paraded them around villages to deter protesters. Now they just drive their jeeps right over protestors. Is this your new SOP @MehboobaMufti sahiba?”

Journalist Shujaat Bukhari wrote, “These pictures from #Srinagar downtown are very disturbing. This is horrible way to quell a protest. Government and #CRPF must explain. Is it the new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). Hope they survive. Pic courtesy #KashmirJournalistsHub.”

Activist Shehla Rashid wrote, “Shameful! Running people over seems to be the latest anti-insurgency measure in J&K. This will certainly win hearts.”

https://twitter.com/Shehla_Rashid/status/1002552040151642112

Police said there was no deployment in the area on Friday as the authorities had decided to ease tension in the area during Friday’s congregational prayers.

Internet services in Srinagar and Badgam districts have been suspended as a precautionary measure, a police officer said.

The speed of broadband internet connections have also been brought down to prevent uploading of provocative posts and pictures.

Rail services between north Kashmir’s Baramulla and the Bannihal town in Jammu region were suspended for the day.

While shops, other businesses remained closed and public transport remained off the roads at most places, three-wheelers and private transport was seen plying in the uptown and city outskirts.

(With IANS inputs)