So you want to have Unarmed/peaceful protest in Kashmir?

Press Release:
6 September 2016

Over the last week – August 29 to 5 September, of uninterrupted curfew in Kashmir, the government’s unbridled use of force on peaceful public meetings/rallies, which are either funeral processions of the civilians killed by government forces or peaceful political rallies where people demand their right to self determination, across Kashmir valley has resulted in injuries to 1215+ people, many of whom are injured by pellets shot guns. The violence used by government forces against un-armed peaceful rallies deflates its claims that its forces only resort to violence when they are pelted with stones. Contrary to government claims, the use of force against the peaceful demonstrators acts as a provocation to people and youth in particular who then retaliate by stone throwing on Indian forces. The sheer number of peaceful pro-freedom rallies held in the last week alone symbolizes the nature of the current anti-India uprising which has seen lakhs of Kashmiris on streets to voice their demand for right to self-determination. Such attacks are against the internationally, and domestically, recognized fundamental rights of peoples to peaceful assembly and association, and freedom of opinion and expression, including India’s obligation under the ICCPR.

In the week spanning from 29 August to 5 September, a total of eighty public meetings/rallies were held across all districts of Kashmir among which government forcibly disrupted 36 rallies, using extensive of force against the assembled people; shelling with bullets, tear gas shells and pellets. The government forces, in many instances, vandalized the venue of these pro-freedom rallies, set ablaze the tents and threw away the food items which were cooked by local organizers for the participants of the rallies. The rest of the rallies went on peacefully. This clearly shows that the 44 protest programs/rallies which were organized in the last week remained completely peaceful and no stone pelting was witnessed in these rallies, while as the 36 rallies where Indian forces used violence to vandalize the already set up venues and desist the participants from attending the programs, has resulted in clashes in which around 1215+ people have been injured.
The use of force against the participants of these peaceful rallies is in continuity with the government’s brazen display of brutality on Kashmiri people this summer of anti-India uprising, following the extra judicial killing of Hizbul Mujahideen Commander Burhan Wani on 8 July, in which 75+ people have been killed and 10,000+ people injured thus far.
The government’s actions on ground contradict with its political rhetoric. On the one hand it wants people, particularly youth, not to engage in stone throwing but on the other hand it denies people peaceful congregation thus provoking them to resort to stone pelting.
The violence perpetrated on peaceful rallies in Kashmir is in continuation of decades of State violence, aggression and denial of people’s rights. JKCCS condemns this use of force on peaceful rallies. It should be publicly clarified on whose orders the government forces are attacking these peaceful rallies of people and vandalizing venues and injuring hundreds of people by use of excessive force.
Spokesperson
Jammu Kashmir Coalition of Civil Societies (JKCCS)
PS : Listed below is the detailed list eighty of Public meetings/rallies organised across Kashmir valley from 29 August to 5 September 2016.

Freedom Rallies

September 5, 2016 Monday

  1. Hundreds of people on Monday September 5 took out a peaceful pro-freedom rally in Botengoo village of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district. The protesters were carrying slogans with messages” “Go India Go Back”, “Plebiscite is the only solution”, “Stop Killings” and “We Want Freedom”. (Peaceful rally, no injuries)
  2. Hundreds of people on Monday September 5 took part in an “Azadi convention” organized as part of joint programme in Warpora area of Sopore in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district. Several leaders of pro-freedom groups addressed the convention. “The participants took a pledge that the ongoing movement would be taken to its logical conclusion and that the blood of martyrs wouldn’t be wasted,” said a leader.(Peaceful rally, no injuries)
  3. Thousands of people on Monday September 5 participated in a peaceful pro-freedom rally in Aarath village of central Kashmir’s Budgam district. The leaders of various schools of thought addressed the gathering. Pro-freedom slogans were raised during the rally. (Peaceful rally, no injuries)
  4. At least 17 persons were injured in clashes with government forces on Monday September 5 in Zangalpora village of south Kashmir’s Kulgam district. Reports and witnesses said that clashes erupted after forces foiled a pro-freedom rally in the village. They said that the injured were rushed to different hospitals for treatment. Health sources confirmed that four injured were being treated at District Hospital Anantnag while the majority of them were shifted to PHC Kelam. Angry protesters later torched the house of a local policeman, said a witness. (Rally foiled by government forces, 17 people injured)
  5. Dozens of people, including few women, were injured after the government forces on Monday September 5 foiled a pro-freedom rally in Bagh-e-Mehtab – Machoo area of Srinagar. Reports and witnesses said that forces damaged the windowpanes of several residential houses and vandalized the venue of a proposed rally earlier today. When people tried to march towards the venue, forces fired several teargas shells to disperse the protesters. “Several protesters were injured in the forces’ action. Some women fainted due to tear smoke,” said a local. (Rally foiled by government forces, dozens of people injured)
  6. Dozens of persons injured on Monday September 5 after government forces fired pellets at a rally in South Kashmir’s Kulgam. Witnesses and reports said that forces ransacked the venue, barged into the houses in Zonglipora village during an overnight raid where they vandalized the property and thrashed the inmates. “When we tried to take out the rally, the forces fired pellets to foil it,” said a local. (Rally foiled by government forces, dozens injured)

September 4, 2016 Sunday

  1. At least 500 people were injured, most of them with pellets, when government forces attempted to foil peaceful pro-freedom rallies in South Kashmir areas on Sunday September 4. The agitated protesters set ablaze Deputy Commissioner’s office complex in Shopian town following attack on a rally by forces in Pinjoora village. Witnesses said forces lobbed teargas shells and fired pellets into a pro-freedom rally which was underway in Pinjoora’s Eidgah. The forces’ action triggered massive clashes, resulting in injuries to scores of people. According to witnesses, people had anticipated the forces’ action and had assembled at the venue on Saturday evening itself, and many of them spent the night there only. As the defiant youth made the forces to retreat, people again starting assembling at the venue and the rally was held successfully. At least 35,000 people participated in the freedom rally-cum-unity conference which, besides religious clerics of various sects, was addressed by local pro-freedom leaders including Tehreek-I-Hurriyat District President Muhammad Yousuf Falahi. (Government foiled the rally, 500 people injured in forces action on rallies)
  2. At least 50 people, including eight women, sustained injuries in Ashmuji village of Kulgam district on Sunday, September 4 as forces tried to foil another peaceful rally there. Witness said forces vandalized the venue and set ablaze the tent erected for people, triggering clashes in which dozens sustained pellet injuries in action by forces. The villagers in Ashmuji and adjoining its areas alleged that government forces ran amok and thrashed “whosoever came their way.” “Even women and children were not spared,” they said. (Rally foiled by government forces, venue vandalized and tent burnt by forces. 50 people injured)
  3. 40 more people were injured after forces intercepted people near Fatehpora-Kabamarg in Anantnag (Islamabad) district on Sunday, September 4 while they were proceeding towards adjacent Sadoora village to attend a freedom rally. “The forces lobbed teargas shells and fired pellets on them without any provocation,’ locals said. Eight people were injured in the forces’ action, they said, and were being treated at District hospital Anantnag while others were treated locally. A doctor at the district hospital said they received around 33 pellet-hit cases and also some persons who were beaten up. The rally however was held in Sadoora till 4 pm. “Byt, forces raided the village and vandalized the venue and lobbed teargas shells and fired pellets, injuring at least a dozen people,” witnesses said. Six of the injured with pellet injuries were being treated at District Hospital Anantnag. (Rally intercepted by government forces, 40 people injured)
  4. At least 20 people were injured in Drubgam village of Pulwama district as forces tried to thwart another peaceful pro-freedom rally there on Sunday, September 4. “All of the injured had pellet injuries and were treated at different local health facilities,” reports said. (Government forces thwart pro-freedom rally, 20 people injured)
  5. Another freedom rally was held in Haasanpora-Arwani in Anantnag district on Sunday, September 4. The rally, besides religious clerics of various sects, was also addressed by Muslim Conference Chairman and Hurriyat Conference (G) leader, Ghulam Nabi Sumji. Pertinently, freedom-cum-unity rallies of various sects—Deobandis, Barelvis, Jamiat-I-Ahlihadith and Jamat-I-Islami (under the banner of Itihad-I-Millat)—have become a routine in South Kashmir villages during the ongoing uprising triggered by the killing of Hizb commander Burhan Wani on July 8. The rallies went peacefully during the first month of the uprising, but are now being attacked by forces with teargas shells and pellets. (Peaceful rally, no injuries)
  6. At least 60 persons were injured in south Kashmir’s Tral in clashes with forces on Sunday September 4. Witnesses said forces fired pellets and teargas shells inside the revered shrine of Shah-e-Hamadan (RA) in Tral town when hundreds of people clashed throughout the day to claim the venue where they were supposed to organize a pro-freedom rally. Witnesses said scores of women fainted inside the shrine due to tear-smoke while locals also accused forces of breaking windowpanes and beating inmates. Earlier, the house of Tral legislator Mushtaq Ahmad Shah was attacked with stones by protesters during clashes, PTI reported. Witnesses said people from different villages of Tral defied the curfew to move towards local Eidgah. (Government forces disrupt the venue (shrine) and disallow the scheduled rally by using force. 60 people got injured)
  7. Reports said forces foiled a pro-freedom rally at Al-Noor Colony Safa Kadal in old Srinagar on Sunday September 4 after Hurriyat (G) chairman Syed Ali Geelani addressed it telephonically. Witnesses said thousands of people including women and children had gathered to participate in the rally and as soon as Geelani finished his address, forces fired pellets and teargas shells at the venue, resulting in injuries to at least 30 people including four women and three children.  The residents alleged that forces also seized the tent and audio system. The forces’ action triggered massive clashes in the area.(Government forces foil the rally, 30 people injured)
  8. A massive pro-freedom rally was taken out at Gojwara after Maghrib prayers on Sunday September 4 which was however, intercepted at Khanyar by forces who fired teargas shells and pellets, resulting in injuries to five youth. (Government forces intercept the rally. No injuries.)
  9. A major pro-freedom rally was held on Sunday September 4 at Kralpora Budgam in which thousands of people participated. The rally, however, remained peaceful. (Peaceful rally, no injuries)

September 3, 2016 Saturday

  1. On the morning of Saturday, September 3, at least 35 people were injured- two of them critically as forces foiled peaceful pro-freedom rally in Ronipora village of Shangus area of Anantnag district. “As the volunteers were making preparations for the rally, forces raided the village and vandalized the venue, evoking protests,” witnesses said. They said forces later lobbed tear canisters and used pellet guns to disperse the protesters. “Two of the injured were referred to Srinagar for specialized treatment while four people were admitted at District Hospital Anantnag. “12 others were being treated at Sub-district hospital Shangus, eight at PHC Achabal and eight at PHC Mattan,” said a health official. He said an elderly man, 65 year old Abdul Ahad Dar – had a grave injury in his neck and was shifted to SMHS in critical condition. “The forces also ransacked several houses, beat up inmates and smashed window panes and also damaged several vehicles parked in the compound,” locals alleged. (Rally foiled by government forces, vandalize the venue. 35 people injured.)
  2. At least 10 people were injured in the clashes that erupted in Meemanader and Tiku village of Shopian on September 3, Saturday. “Youth pelted stones on forces who in-turn lobbed tear shells and used pellet guns,” witnesses said. They said while eight injured were treated at District Hospital Shopian, two critically injured were referred to Srinagar. (Rally foiled by government forces, 10 people injured.)
  3. Massive pro-freedom rallies were, however, held successfully in Toli Nowpora and Gudar villages of Kulgam on Saturday, September 3 which saw participation of thousands of people. People were raising pro-freedom, anti-India slogans and waving Pakistani flags. Religious clerics of various sects and local pro-freedom leaders addressed the rally. (Peaceful rally. No injuries.)
  4. At least 20 persons were injured in south Kashmir’s Tral in the forces’ action on Saturday, September 2. Eyewitnesses said that clashes broke out in Gulshanpora-Batigund village of Tral when forces tried to foil a pro-freedom rally. They said a youth, whose identity was not immediately known, was hit by a slingshot in his eye and was shifted to a nearby hospital where from he was referred to Srinagar for treatment. They said the forces smashed a public address system. Intense clashes were going on till last reports came in. However, the rally was later held which culminated peacefully. (Rally foiled by government forces, 20 people injured)
  5. Reports from north Kashmir’s Bandipora district said that a protest rally was held at Aloosa against detentions on Saturday, September 3. (Peaceful rally. No injuries.)
  6. At Ajar, protests were also held against the detention of youth. (Peaceful protest. No injuries.)
  7. At Bandipore town, a massive protest demonstration was held against the civilian killings, detentions and injuries. (Peaceful protest. No injuries.)
  8. A peaceful protest was held at Papchan area of the district. (Peaceful protest. No injuries.)
  9. Peaceful protests were also held at Onagam, Saderkoote Bala and Naidkhai. (Peaceful protest. No injuries.)

September 2, 2016 Friday

  1. Clashes broke out in Kaka Sarai area of downtown Srinagar on Friday September 2 after forces fired teargas shells into a protest rally. Reports said hundreds of protesters, including women and children, took out the rally to demand release of youths arrested by police. (Peaceful rally. No injuries.)
  2. At least 49 youths were injured during clashes that erupted in various parts of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Friday on September 2. The clashes broke out after pro-freedom protests were held. In Palhallan area of the district, a massive protest rally was held this afternoon. Thousands of people from Palhallan and its adjoining villages earlier assembled in local Eidgah where they jointly offered Friday prayers. After the prayers ended, a massive pro-freedom rally was taken out from local Eidgah. The protest march passed through various parts of Palhallan, but when they tried to march towards highway, police and CRPF personnel resorted to heavy teargas shelling. As the clashes intensified, police fired pellets, causing injuries to at least 13 youths. The clashes were on till evening. (Government disrupt rally. 49 people injured.)
  3. In Pattan area, soon after Friday congregational prayers on September 2, a pro-freedom rally was held. The protesting youths were not allowed to hold protest on main highway, triggering clashes which lasted for several hours. (Rally foiled by government forces. No injuries)
  4. In Baramulla town, clashes broke out this afternoon after a pro-freedom rally marched through Old Town on Friday September 2. The protesters alleged that despite protesting peacefully, police deployed on Cement Bridge fired teargas shells and pellets at them without any provocation. Later, massive clashes broke out at Cement Bridge and Azad Gunj Bridge. At least 14 youths sustained injuries in these clashes and five of them were rushed to Baramulla district hospital. Two of the injured youths, according to the hospital officials, had suffered eye injuries. (Rally disrupted by government forces. 14 youth injured.)
  5. Reports of clashes also came in from Sumbal after protesters attacked a local police station with stones. Following this, forces burst several teargas shells to push the protesters back. Earlier, a pro-freedom rally was held from Jamia Masjid after congregational Friday prayers in main town Bandipora. Hundreds of protestors assembled at Gulshan chowk, raising pro-freedom and anti-India slogans. (Peaceful rally. No injuries.)
  6. Meanwhile, people from Nusoo, Hajam Mohalla and Nibripora also took out a protest rally and marched towards Gulshan Chowk. (Peaceful rally. No injuries.)
  7. Peaceful protest rally was carried out in Ajar (Peaceful rally. No injuries)
  8. Peaceful protest rally was carried out in Chittibandey (Peaceful rally. No injuries)
  9. Peaceful protest rally was carried out in Aragam (Peaceful rally. No injuries)
  10. Peaceful protest rally was carried out in Ayathmulla (Peaceful rally. No injuries)
  11. Peaceful protest rally was carried out in Kaloosa (Peaceful rally. No injuries)
  12. Peaceful protest rally was carried out in Ashtengoo (Peaceful rally. No injuries)
  13. Peaceful protest rally was carried out in Aloosa (Peaceful rally. No injuries)
  14. Peaceful protest rally was carried out in Kehnusa (Peaceful rally. No injuries)
  15. Peaceful protest rally was carried out in Papchan (Peaceful rally. No injuries)
  16. Peaceful protest rally was carried out in Aloosa (Peaceful rally. No injuries)
  17. Peaceful protest rally was carried out in Naidkhai areas (Peaceful rally. No injuries)
  18. Witnesses said residents of Ajas area offered Friday congregational prayers in local Eidgah and later took out a protest rally that culminated peacefully. (Peaceful rally. No injuries.)
  19. Reports said women took out a protest rally in Bahar Abad village of Hajin. The rally was peaceful. (Peaceful rally. No injuries.)
  20. A peaceful protest rally was also taken out in Saderkote area from Ahle-Hadees Masjid to main market. It later culminated peacefully. (Peaceful rally. No injuries.)
  21. People from Sanoora, Chaira, Batpora, Hanjibugh took out a pro-freedom rally on Friday September 2 and marched towards Mazhama where anti-government and pro-freedom protests took place. (Peaceful rally. No injuries.) 

September 1, 2016 Thursday

  1. A major rally was taken out from Gojwara to Eidgah on Thursday September 1 which ended peacefully. (Peaceful rally. No injuries.)
  2. Another rally stated from Jamia Masjid in the afternoon of September 1 and tried to proceed towards Lal Chowk but was stopped by forces at Khanyar. The forces resorted to heavy tear-gas shelling. (Rally disrupted by government forces. No injuries.)
  3. Another rally started from Nowhatta towards Hawal on Thursday September 1. Reports, however, said the forces fired pellets and tear-gas shells at the participants, resulting in injuries to at least 10 youth. (Rally foiled by government forces. 10 youth injured.)
  4. A major rally was held at Safa Kadal on Thursday September 1 that was addressed by various pro-freedom leaders. (Peaceful rally. No injuries.)
  5. At least 20 people were injured across South Kashmir on Thursday September 1 as forces once again used excessive force to foil peaceful pro-freedom rallies in several areas. Violent clashes broke out in Badasgam village of Kokernag in Anantnag district after forces attacked a peaceful pro-freedom rally, leaving at least eight persons injured. “As the volunteers were making preparations for the rally, they (forces) raided the village and vandalized the venue. As people tried to resist, they lobbed teargas shells and fired pellets,” locals said. However, people again assembled at the venue and the rally which was addressed by local pro-freedom leaders besides religious clerics, was held successfully. (Rally foiled by government forces. 20 people injured)
  6. Another rally was held in Shamsipora village of Anantnag on Thursday September 1 which passed off peacefully. (Peaceful rally. No injuries.)
  7. In Aarigatnu village of Kulgam, another rally was disrupted by forces on Thursday September 1, leading to clashes that left around five persons injured with pellets. “The rally was going on peacefully, however, forces suddenly raided the village and lobbed teargas shells and pellets on people who had assembled there,” witnesses said. They said people in turn pelted stones on the forces, triggering clashes. “Four youth were also reportedly detained by police.” (Rally foiled by government forces. 5 people injured.)
  8. Five people were injured after forces fired pellets and teargas shells in Fura village of Kulgam district to foil a freedom rally there on Thursday September 1. “Two of the critically injured were referred to Srinagar hospital,” witnesses said. “They (forces) vandalized the venue and even threw away food which was cooked for the participants from different villages.” Locals said forces also barged into houses, beat up inmates, ransacked household goods and smashed windowpanes.  However, people again assembled at the venue and the rally went on. (Rally foiled by government forces, they vandalize venue and threw away food. 5 people injured.)
  9. Huge freedom-cum-unity rallies of various sects were also held in Trenz village of Shopian district and Pakherpora area of Pulwama district. (Peaceful rally. No injury.)
  10. A massive protest rally was held from Mazhama area of Budgam district earlier on Thursday September 1. Reports said clashes erupted in Mazhama area of Budgam district against the alleged vandalism by forces. Locals said more than 40 people were injured in the forces’ action when they fired pellets and tear-gas shells at the peaceful protestors. Eight of the total injured sustained pellet injuries and were admitted in SKIMS Bemina, of whom five were operated upon, reports said. Among the injured were two dozen women also, witnesses said. Locals alleged that forces broke windows and doors of many residential houses in Mazhama, triggering protests. (Rally disrupted and foiled by government forces. 40 people injured.)
  11. Hurriyat (G) chairman Syed Ali Geelani addressed a pro-freedom rally Bandipora telephonically on Thursday September 1. (Peaceful rally. No injuries.)
  12. Reports said a massive pro-freedom rally was organized in Kehnusa area on Thursday September 1 which was addressed by Geelani. Pro-freedom and anti-India slogans were raised during the rally. (Peaceful rally. No injuries.)
  13. A rally was foiled with teargas shelling in Hajin on Thursday September 1 when it tried to march towards Police Station Hajin demanding release of youth. Locals of Vijapar and Shahgund alleged that police detained five youth during nocturnal raids. (Rally foiled by government forces. Five youth detained during nocturnal raids. No injuries.) 

August 31, 2016 Wednesday 

  1. At least 200 people were injured across South Kashmir on Wednesday August 31, as forces used “excessive force” to foil peaceful pro-freedom rallies. Violent clashes broke out in Katrasoo village of Kulgam district after forces attacked a peaceful pro-freedom rally there, leaving at least 20 persons injured. “As the volunteers were making preparations for the rally, they (forces) raided the village and vandalized the venue. As people tried to resist, they lobbed teargas shells and fired pellets too,” locals said. They said some of the injured had pellet injuries in eyes and head, and were being treated at District Hospital Kulgam and other local health facilities. However, people again assembled at the venue and the rally which was addressed by local pro-freedom leaders and religious clerics, was successfully held. (Rally attacked by government forces. 200 people injured.)
  2. In Tengbal village of Kulgam, another rally was disrupted by forces on Wednesday August 31, leading to clashes that left around 100 persons injured, most of them with pellets. “Some of the critically injured were referred to Srinagar,” witnesses said. “The rally was going on peacefully, However, at around 2.30 pm, forces suddenly raided the village and lobbed teargas shells and fired pellets on people who had assembled there,” witnesses said. The people in turn pelted stones on forces, triggering massive clashes which later spread to Bogund, Matalgam and Tooli Nowpora villages. (Rally attacked and foiled by government forces. 100 people injured.)
  3. At least 50 people were also reportedly injured in clashes in Karshangam village of Aishmuqam in Anantnag district. Police and CRPF personnel ransacked venue of a freedom rally there, according to locals, after which the people came out in large numbers and held protest demonstrations against the alleged police highhandedness. Forces responded with teargas shelling and pellet firing, leaving at least 50 people injured, the local residents said. The injured were treated at SDH Seer and SDH Aishmuqam. “Two of the injured were referred to District hospital Anantnag.” (Rally foiled by government forces. 50 people injured.)
  4. Old Srinagar areas erupted in the morning of Wednesday August 31 while clashes occurred in various areas that include Waniyar, Eidgah, Nawa Kadal, Khanyar, Bohri Kadal, and Rajouri Kadal. Reports said the first major rally started at 11 am from Gojwara that passed through Rajouri Kadal and Nawa Kadal.  Witnesses said at least 5000 youth participated in the rally that was intercepted at Nawa Kadal by police. Forces resorted to firing of dozens of teargas shells and pellets, injuring at least 15 people. (Rally attacked by government forces. 15 people injured.)
  5. Witnesses said another major rally was taken out on Wednesday August 31 from Jamia Masjid, Nowhatta that proceeded towards Khanyar in the afternoon.  Police and CRPF men stopped the procession at Rangar Stop and resorted to heavy teargas shelling and pellet firing in which at least 10 youth sustained injuries. (Rally foiled by government forces. 10 youth injured.)
  6. Reports said another rally started from Nowhatta to Hawal on Wednesday August 31. This too was stopped by forces that resorted to firing of tear-gas shells and pepper gas in which five youth were injured. (Rally foiled by government forces. 5 youth injured.)
  7. A peaceful protest rally was held at Chatergul, Kangan on Wednesday August 31. The rally was held after funeral prayers of Haji Sheikh Ghulam Muhammad, a senior Tehreek-e-Hurriyat leader who passed away at SKIMS due to cardiac arrest. Amid pro-freedom and pro-Islamic slogans, thousands participated in the funeral of Sheikh at Chhatergul, Kangan. Hurriyat Conference chairman Syed Ali Geelani addressed the procession telephonically and hailed the role of Sheikh for his services. (Peaceful rally. No injuries.)

 

August 30, 2016 Tuesday

  1. 20 people sustained injuries after forces tried to foil a pro-freedom rally in Wathoo village in Shopian district on Tuesday August 30. Witnesses said early in the morning, forces vandalized the venue where the rally was scheduled and beat up volunteers who were making the necessary arrangements. “They also fired teargas shells and pellets on people who tried to resist their move, causing injuries to at least 20 pro-testers,” they said. Despite the forces’ action, local residents said, the rally went on. (Rally foiled by government forces. 20 people injured.)
  2. Forces also tried to foil another rally in Panzath village of Qazigund in Anantnag district on Tuesday August 30. “The forces after setting ablaze tents resorted to intense tear-gas shelling and pellet firing,” witnesses said, adding: “At least 10 people sustained injuries in the police action.” The rally was however held later wherein religious clerics from various sects and local pro-freedom leaders including Tehreek-I-Hurriyat (TeH) district president (Anantnag), Mir Hafizullah spoke. People of Mehmoodabad and adjoining Nathipora villages in Dooru area of Anantnag alleged that forces ran amok in the areas, damaging property and ‘terrorizing’ people. (Rally foiled by government forces; tents set ablaze by forces. 10 people injured.)
  3. In Kulgam, an all-women rally was held at Mohamadpora village on Tuesday August 30 wherein—amid pro-freedom slogans—the speakers appealed women to remain resilient in the ongoing resistance struggle. (Peaceful rally. No injuries.)
  4. Similar rallies were held in Srigufwara village of Bijbehara which saw participation of many women on Tuesday August 30. (Peaceful rally. No injuries.)
  5. The DeM also organized rallies in Tral town and Darsaroo village of Tral on Tuesday August 30. (Peaceful rally. No injuries.)
  6. A massive pro-freedom march was carried out on Tuesday evening August 30 from Jamia Masjid in Old Town Baramulla till Azad Gunj Chowk. The rally was held peacefully. (Peaceful rally. No injuries.)

August 29, 2016 Monday

  1. Hundreds of people on Monday early morning August 29 started marching towards Gandwini village of DH Pora area in Kulgam district by foot, in cars and load carriers—and also on bikes—to participate in a peaceful pro-freedom rally.  They were however intercepted by forces near Matergam on Nihama-DH Pora road and not allowed to proceed. Forces lobbed teargas shells and used pellet guns to disperse the protestors who in turn pelted stones on them. In the ensuing clashes, at least 12 people sustained injuries. However, the rally which saw participation of a large number of people was successfully held, locals said. (Rally intercepted by government forces. 12 people injured. The rally was later held peacefully.)
  2. In Belov village of Pulwama, where a peaceful pro-freedom rally was held on Monday August 29, forces conducted nocturnal raids and ransacked houses and beat up inmates, locals residents said. “We were forced to flee the village in the dead of the night and take shelter in the neighboring villages,” the residents of Belov told Greater Kashmir. (Peaceful rally. Nocturnal raids after protests. No injuries.)
  3. Forces also foiled a pro-freedom rally in Aglad-Pakherpora in Pulwama district on Monday August 29. “The cops raided the village early in the morning, vandalized the venue and tried to prevent people from reaching here,” locals said. However, the rally was held later. (Rally foiled by government forces. No injuries. The rally, however, was held later.)
  4. Thousands participated in a pro-freedom rally in Shoul village of Anantnag district despite inclement weather on Monday August 29. (Peaceful rally. No injuries.)
  5. Intense clashes were reported from Kremshore village of Khansahib Budgam on Monday August 29 where locals had planned a pro-freedom rally.  Local hospital sources said 28 people had sustained injuries in forces’ action. (Rally disrupted and attacked by government forces. 28 people injured.)
  6. A protest rally was held in Main Town Bandipora in the evening of Monday August 29, from Gulshan Chowk to Nowpora Chowk. (Peaceful rally. No injuries.)
  7. Reports said after Magrib prayers on Monday August 29, massive protest rallies were taken out from Nawa Kadal, Babademb and other parts of old Srinagar. When the rallies reached Zaldagar, they were intercepted by policemen who fired dozens of tear gas shells to disperse the protestors. (Rally intercepted by government forces. No injuries.)
  8. A separate rally on Monday August 29 was disrupted at Habba Kadal by police, witnesses said. (Rally disrupted by government forces. No injuries.)
  9. In the afternoon of Monday August 29, a protest rally was taken out in Doda which started from Markazi Jamia Masjid and marched towards Eidgah. The protesters were raising slogans against District Magistrate, DySP headquarters and government for their “anti-people policy”. (Peaceful rally. No injuries.)

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One Comment

  1. Sualeh
    September 15, 2016
    Reply

    Such is democracy in South Asia. South Asian elite are perfectly fine with such arrangement. As long as the economy keeps growing and the majoritarian interests are safe, who cares!

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