950822

Eight more

killed in

held Kashmir

SRINAGAR: Eight more people were martyred in fresh act of violence by the Indian troops at various places in held Kashmir, while at least seven troops were reported killed in clashes with Mujahideen, Kashmir Media Service, reports said on Tuesday.

One person was killed in troop's firing in Batmaloo area of Sringar while a woman was critically injured. Dead bodies of three victims of custodial killings were recovered in Bandipura.

Another dead body of a similar victim was found at Tragebal in Gures area. One was killed after arrest at Alusa in Bandipura area. Another dead body was recovered in the same area. A young man was martyred in a clash with troops in Doda. The troops also suffered losses. Another young man was shot dead in Qoonch.

Meanwhile, the military authorities have ordered the people in Batmaloo area of Srinagar and Kukernag area of Islamabad to remain indoors after 7 p.m. If anyone ventured out, they were clearly warned, he would be shot dead. Ban has been imposed on Azaans from Mosques and holding of prayer congregation in Kukernag after the 7 p.m deadline.

Poeple in the adjacent rural areas have been forbidden to go to Mosques for prayers after 7 p.m. The violators of the ban would be shot dead. Furious anti-India agitations are under way in the affected localities.

Vast areas were besieged in Buspura locality of Srinagar, people dragged out from their houses and made to undergo tormenting identity parades under open sky in the torrential rain. In Saura locality, the Mujahideen broke through the military siege and escaped to safety. A woman was injured in troops' firing at Khanyar.

In their retaliatory strikes, the Mujahideen targetted military positions at a various localities in Sringar including Naid Kadal and Bhuri Kadal, inflicting considerable losses on troops. A military vehicle was attacked at Jehangir Chowk, in the city with hand grenades which resulted in the killing of a number of troops.

It was also reported that a prominent Mujahid, Yaser Saifi who was arrested 20 days ago still remains missing' in army's custody. Several young men were arrested during a crackdown at Tangmerg in Baramula district and houses were ransacked.

Doda which remains in the grip of tension, observed protest strike against the brutal killings of a Mujahid Tariq Mohammad a couple of days ago the troops arrested a father and son while military reinforcement has been increased in the district.

Other reports said two soldiers were killed and a number of other injured in a clash with Mujahideen at Gres one Mujahid got martyred. Two more troops were killed when the Mujahideen attacked a military patrol in Islamabad (Anantnag), three troops were killed when the Mujahideen attacked a military camp at Yariwon in Kolgam.

Clashes between troops and the Mujahideen were also reported from Kakpura in Palwama, Sajipura in the same area and Shopian in which the troops were reported to have sustained considerable losses.-PPI