2 Civilians Injured After Altercation Between Army and Locals in North Kashmir Mosque

Srinagar: Two persons were injured in North Kashmir’s Handwara area on Thursday after army soldiers opened fire on civilian worshippers inside a mosque following an argument over videography by the forces.

The two civilians were identified as Abdul Ahad Mir from Rajwar area and Mujeeb Ahmad Sofi from main town – both according to eye-witnesses sustained injuries in legs. Soon after the incident, the two were rushed to a local hospital where they received treatment. Their condition is said to be stable.

A local of Handwara said that the incident happened at the central Jamia Masjid in the district’s main square. A group of army soldiers from 21 RR (Rashtriya Rifles) of the Indian Army were filming the worshippers earlier during the afternoon prayers when some of the latter raised objection. “This led to an altercation following which the soldiers opened fire,” the local said.

Srinagar-based defence spokesperson Lt. Colonel Emron Mosavi said that the troops were on routine patrol in Handwara town and were taking pictures of the Jamia Masjid to showcase “happiness” in the holy month of Ramzan as people were offering prayers.

“They requested a local to get few photos from inside. It is when the local person was going to take photos, some rogue elements protested, and instigated others to get into an altercation with the troops,” he said.

The official said that while they were attempting to pacify the situation, two-three individuals got into a scuffle with the troops, following which there was an “accidental discharge” of the weapon, injuring the two civilians.

Subsequently, the crowd was pacified when Jammu and Kashmir police in the vicinity arrived to control the situation jointly.

The crowd was subsequently dispersed and the market was opened for routine activity, the official added.

The incident, however, triggered fear amongst local residents and was later condemned by the political parties. J&K Peoples Conference president Sajad Lone termed it as an “unfortunate” incident and demanded an impartial probe to hold security forces “accountable”.

"What a sorry state of affairs. One of the most peaceful towns, Handwara, at the receiving end. Hoping against hope the guilty are punished,” Lone was quoted as saying.

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in a statement said that “security Forces barging into religious places, profiling worshippers and shooting civilians at will without any fear of justice is the level of unaccountability pervasive across J&K. Rather than moving forward, Kashmir seems to have been taken back to 90s again.”

The incident was also condemned by PDP president Mehbooba Mufti who slammed the Central government accusing it of interfering in  people’s religion.

“Condemn today’s incident at Handwara which left 2 civilians injured post an altercation with the army. GOIs interference in religious matters by its unwarranted surveillance of a simple act of offering prayers shows that Kashmiris pay dearly for the illusion of Naya Kashmir,” she tweeted.