SRINAGAR The civilian killings in Kashmir in the past four years have increased manifold with a record number of 130 people killed this year.
In contrast to 41 civilian killings in 2015, at least 130 civilians were killed till 1 December this year. The list, however, does not include those killed during ceasefire violations along the Line Of Control (LoC) that divides Kashmir between India and Pakistan.
From 2015 to 2018, Kashmir has witnessed at least 383 civilian killings.
Seven civilians were earlier killed in a single day twice this year. On December 15, 7 were killed after armed forces opened fire on civilian protesters near the site of a gunfight in Kharpora Sarnoo village of Pulwama district last week. Three militants and an army man were also killed in the gunfight. On October 21, a shell went off at a gunfight site in Kulgam in which seven civilians were killed.
At least 126 civilians were killed in 2016. In 2017, at least 86 civilians were killed.
The civilian causalities have also increased manifold at gunfight sites. Despite constant warnings, the involvement of young boys and girls in massive protest demonstrations has continued. The youngsters are coming out to defy cordon and search operations to help militants escape.
According to data of the police at least 106 civilians were killed in the firing of Armed Forces while trying to defend militants in a span of eighteen months starting from January 2017. Estimates of Human Rights organisations are however much higher.
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