GK NEWS NETWORK
Srinagar, Aug 24: Residents of Handwara township in north Kashmir on Wednesday accused paramilitary CRPF troopers and policemen of firing tear smoke canisters inside an operation theatre in the Sub district hospital Handwara when a civilian hit by a bullet of the soldiers during a demonstration was being operated upon by doctors.
Eyewitnesses told Greater Kashmir the soldiers shot at unarmed peaceful protesters in Handwara today, critically wounding Muhammad Yousuf Banday. Soon the soldiers were joined by paramilitary CRPF troopers and personnel of Special Operations Group of Police and beat up every passer-by with bamboo battons and gun butts.
Imran (name changed), an eye witness, said, "When we took Muhammad Yousuf to the hospital, the soldiers of 21 Rashtriya Rifles accompanied by CRPF and the SOG personnel entered the hospital. The CRPF and police fired several tear gas shells into the operation theatre while doctors were operating upon him. The doctors were shocked, as they could do nothing. The armed forces also fired in the air inside hospital premises."
Imran called up by phone from a police station where at least 10 protesters were detained after massive demonstrations against army, CRPF and police.
Imran said, "For the past three days the armed forces have terrorised us, they beat up women in Chopan Mohalla triggering a demonstration by the people who were ruthlessly beaten again."
He said, "Today the soldiers beat up an old man Ali Muhammad without any provocation. And when people protested the soldiers beat up the people."
Police arrested at least 9 youth during the demonstrations, Imran said.