Another teenager dies, Kashmir toll rises to 64

SRINAGAR - An 18-year-old, who was allegedly beaten up by security forces here last week, succumbed to his injuries Wednesday, taking the toll of civilians killed in the ongoing unrest in the Kashmir Valley to 64.

Doctors at the Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences Soura (SKIMS) in Srinagar said Omar Qayoom Bhat, who had been admitted to the hospital Monday, could not be revived despite their best efforts.

“He had reported at the hospital on Aug 23 with breathlessness and chest trauma. After his condition deteriorated, he was put on life support system, but could not be revived,” an attending doctor said.

“He died in the cardiac intensive care unit of the hospital this (Wednesday) morning,” the doctor added.

Locals and relatives alleged the teenager had been beaten up in Soura locality last Friday during clashes between stone-pelters and security forces.

Tension gripped Soura locality as the news of Bhat’s death spread. Security forces increased deployments to maintain law and order there.

Bhat belonged to Anchar locality near Soura in Srinagar city.

The teenager’s body was handed over to his relatives, who took out a procession for the burial.

The valley has been reeling under a long spell of unrest since June 11, leaving 64 people dead so far.