Indian troops martyr four Kashmiris as lockdown continues for 17th day

SRINAGAR: Indian troops martyred four Kashmiris in occupied Kashmir's Baramulla district on Wednesday as the curfew and lockdown entered a 17th consecutive day in the valley. since the Indian government removed the special status of the territory this month, fuelling anger.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the four Kashmiri youth were martyred during an all-out operation jointly launched by Indian Army’s Rashtriya Rifles, Central Reserve Police Force and Special Operation Group in Kakarhamam area of the town.

A day earlier, the Indian occupying forces detained 30 people overnight in Srinagar, in a bid to control protests.

Crowds have demonstrated frequently in the city despite a severe clamp-down on phone and internet services and a ban on public gatherings and the detentions of hundreds of political leaders and separatists.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s move this month has also increased tensions with Pakistan which lays claim to Kashmir and has accused India of human rights violations in the territory at the heart of more than 70 years of hostility between them.

US President Donald Trump spoke to Modi and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday urging them to reduce tensions over Kashmir. “A tough situation, but good conversations!” Trump said in a Twitter post after the calls.

Pakistan said on Tuesday it plans to take its dispute with India over Kashmir to the International Court of Justice.

Mobile and internet connections in occupied Kashmir remained snapped for 16th straight day, and many landline telephones that were restored over the weekend are also not properly working.

— With additional information from Reuters