Freedom fighters kill political activist in Indian Occupied Kashmir

By: AFP
Published: 01:43 AM, 20 May, 2024
Freedom fighters kill political activist in Indian Occupied Kashmir
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Freedom fighters shot dead an activist from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party in Kashmir, local authorities said Sunday after the latest violent attack in the disputed region.


Police named the victim as Aijaz Ahmad, a local leader of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) who was fired upon in Shopian district on Saturday evening, days after the region began voting in India's six-week national elections.


The BJP's local office in Kashmir confirmed Sunday that Ahmad had died and announced plans to stage a protest against the attack.


Two Indian tourists visiting the Himalayan territory were also wounded in a separate attack by freedom fighters in nearby Anantnag on the same day, police said, adding that both had been hospitalised.


Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan since their independence in 1947, with both claiming the Himalayan territory in full.


Kashmiri freedom fighters' groups opposed to Indian rule have for decades waged an insurgency in Indian-controlled Kashmir, demanding either independence or a merger with Pakistan.


India accuses Pakistan of backing the freedom fighters -- charges Islamabad denies.


The conflict has left tens of thousands of civilians, freedom fighters martyred.


Security forces have reported a spate of clashes in Kashmir since voting began last month in ongoing general election.


Earlier this month freedom fighters killed an Indian air force member and injured four others in an ambush on a military convoy.






Categories : South Asia

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