In occupied Kashmir, Indian troops in their fresh act of state terrorism martyred eight more Kashmiri youth in South Kashmir, today, raising the death toll to 18 in the past three days.

Six youth were killed by the troops during cordon and search operations and firing on protesters at Batagund in Kapran area of Shopian district, today morning. Bodies of the youth were recovered from the debris of a house destroyed by the troops during the operation. Another youth identified as a 10th class student, Nauman Ashraf Butt, was killed in the troops’ firing on the people protesting against the killings. The firing left many protesters injured including a five-year-old female baby. At least, 15 critically injured were admitted to different hospitals in Shopian, Kulgam and Srinagar. The troops killed one more youth in Khrew area of Pulwama district.

The authorities suspended internet services in South Kashmir. In the meantime, an Indian army man was killed and another was injured in an attack in Kapran area of Shopian district.

Thousands of people participated in funeral prayers of the martyred youth in different areas of the territory.

Meanwhile, the Joint Resistance Leadership in a statement issued in Srinagar, today, called for a complete shutdown across the territory, tomorrow, to condemn the fresh spree of killings. The leadership deplored that India had no compunction in allowing such inhumanity to continue by giving unbridled powers to its forces in Kashmir.

On the other hand, veteran Kashmiri journalist, Yousuf Jameel, speaking at an event organized by Kashmir Press Club in Srinagar said that Jammu and Kashmir is one of the most challenging places for journalists.