Friday, August 15, 2008

CRPF troopers go berserk in Habba Kadal, Kashmir

GK Photographer among 20 injured

Greater Kashmir, News Network, August 15, 2008

Updated at 1820 hours IST

Srinagar, Aug 15: At least 20 persons including GK photographer, Aman Farooq, were injured when paramilitary CRPF troopers went berserk at Habba Kadal in Shehar-e-Khaas, here, on Friday.

Eyewitnesses told Greater Kashmir as top police officials including Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Srinagar were trying to pacify the protesters, who were insisting that the bunker at main Habba Kadal chowk be dismantled, a CRPF vehicle appeared on the scene.
“Without any provocation CRPF troopers fired tearsmoke canisters and resorted to aerial firing creating panic in the area,” witnesses said.

They said that after firing randomly CRPF troopers disembarked from the vehicle and went on a rampage, and beat up the protesters “ruthlessly.”

At least 20 persons including five mediamen sustained critically injuries in the assault launched by the troopers.

Injured mediamen include Muzamil of IBN-7, Umer of India-TV, Umer of JK Channel and a cameraman of Wadi Televison.

GK photographer Aman Farooq who was writhing in pain told over phone, “We are in ambulance but CRPF troopers are not allowing the ambulance to move.”

Another eyewitness said that troopers also beat up a Sub Inspector of JK Police. “Troopers broke the window panes of the houses and threatened us of dire consequences” said another witness.

When this report was filed CRPF troopers had laid a siege around Habba Kadal and troopers were not allowing anyone to move out of the area including injured.

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