A complete shutdown is being observed today in Chadoora area of central Kashmir’s Budgam district on the maiden anniversary of three youth killed in firing by the government forces at the site of a gunfight last year.
All shops and businesses establishments are shut in Chadoora town while public traffic is off the roads in major areas like Wathoora, Chadoora and Nagam.
Three youth —- Zahid Rashid Ganai son of Abdur Rashid of Chadoora, Amir Fayaz Waza, 18, son of Fayaz Ahmad of Waza Mohalla, Wathoora and Ishaq Ahmed Wani, 24, son of Abdur Rashid of Wawoosa, Rangreth – were killed and 35 others injured after the government forces opened fire to disperse protesters near a gunfight site at Durbug place.
A militant of Hizb-ul-Mujahideen outfit, identified as Touseef Ahmad Wagay of Kulgam in south Kashmir was also killed in the fierce gunfight that lasted over ten hours.
DGP S P Vaid had termed the civilian killings unfortunate and said they would look into the circumstances that led to the deaths. “The killing of three youth is very unfortunate and Deputy Inspector General of Police (Central Kashmir range) will look into the circumstances that led to the trio’s killing,” Vaid had told Greater Kashmir.
However, a video of the incident, shared widely on social media websites, showed forces firing directly on the protesters.