Protester among 3 martyred in IHK violence

SRINAGAR: Government forces martyred one protester and injured more than 120 others in Indian Held Kashmir (IHK) on Tuesday, just days after three civilians were killed in similar demonstrations in the restive region. Indian troops used live bullets and pellet guns on hundreds of protesters in Shopian district hospitalising dozens with serious injuries. Police said the crowd gathered near the site of a military operation where Indian soldiers had killed two suspected rebels, and began throwing stones. Many civilians in Kashmir support rebels who have been fighting for decades for independence or for a merger with Pakistan, which like India also claims the divided territory in full. Doctors said more than 120 protesters were brought to three district hospitals, some suffering serious bullet wounds and eye injuries from pellet fire from the melee. "Six among them had bullet injuries and were referred to Srinagar for advanced treatment," district chief medical officer Abdul Raheed said. Doctors said an 18-year-old man was shot in the head and later died from his injuries. "One of the injured persons later succumbed to his injuries," police said. It follows a weekend of bloodshed in Kashmir in which Indian forces killed three civilians, including a 16-year-old girl, ahead of the anniversary of the death of a popular rebel leader.