Thousands defy curfew; 7 more civilians killed

Kashmiri muslims shout anti Indian slogans as they carry the body of a nine year old boy during a funeral in Srinagar on August 2, 2010. Six people, including a nine-year-old boy, were killed in Kashmir on Monday, amid renewed clashes between protesters and security forces.

Seven civilians died in continuing violence in the Kashmir Valley on Monday as thousands of people defied curfew at several places. At least 50 people were injured. Mobs set on fire several government buildings.

A youth, injured in police action a few days ago in Bijbehara, died on Monday.

Seven civilians were killed as police and CRPF personnel opened fire to quell demonstrations at several places. People broke security cordons and defied curfew. Throughout the night mobs were protesting on the streets and using loudspeakers in mosques to give vent to their anger.

Eight-year-old Farooq Ahmad of Dawood Colony Batamaloo in Srinagar was killed in a clash between protesters and the CRPF late on Monday evening.

Residents who spoke to The Hindu alleged that he was beaten to death by CRPF personnel. However, a police spokesman said the boy was killed in a stampede when the CRPF chased a mob. His death triggered further protests in the area.

Reports said 16-year-old Bashir Ahmad Reshi died after the police and the CRPF opened fire on protesters at Sangam near Khanabal on the Srinagar-Anantnag highway. Arshad Ahmad Bhat also died, but police said he was caught in a stampede. Locals refuted this.

Six others, critically injured in the incident, have been admitted to hospitals in Srinagar.

In Kulgam, security forces opened fire killing 16-year-old Rameez Ahmad. A 9th class student, Ashiq Hussain Bhat, died of his injuries in the district hospital. Sources said seven people, including Ashiq, were injured in the firing on protesters at Chawalgaam village.

Kakpora area of Pulwama district witnessed massive protests. Muhammad Yaqoob Bhat, 16, of Zadoora died in police firing.

After the incident, the protesters went on the rampage attacking the police and the CRPF, forcing them to flee.

In Kralpora area of Kupwara district in north Kashmir, the police and the CRPF opened fire on stone-throwing youth, injuring six people critically. Sources said 20-year-old Khurshid Ahmad War died of his injuries.

A police spokesman said rampaging mobs broke curfew restrictions at Kakapora, Pulwama, Budgam, Anantnag, Kulgam and Kupwara, destroying police and public property.