Indian forces martyr 17 youth in occupied Kashmir

SRINAGAR: Indian forces have martyred 17 youth in Islamabad and Shopian districts of occupied Kashmir.

According to reports, Indian troops have martyred at least 13 youth in south Kashmir districts of Dragad and Kachdora, while more than 100 civilians were injured when Indian forces used brute force and fired pellets and bullets on protesters in Draged and Kachdora areas.

Four civilians were also martyred and dozens injured when police opened fire on thousands of demonstrators who poured onto the streets, throwing stones and chanting slogans against Indian rule.

The authorities have suspended train and Internet services in South Kashmir districts following the killings.

The forces used tear gas shells, pellets and bullets to disperse the protesters.

Meanwhile, Pakistan has strongly condemned the violence as a "mindless killing spree" and said those slaughtered were innocents.

"Such cowardly actions of the occupying forces only serve to fortify the resolve of the Kashmiri people," Pakistan's foreign ministry said in a statement on Sunday.

Earlier, an youth Rouf Bashir Khanday was killed during an overnight operation at Brunty Dialgam in Islamabad district.

Tens of thousands, mostly civilians, have lost their lives in struggle for independence.