Pellet Victims Protest in Srinagar, Allege Misuse of Their Name

Srinagar, Feb 19, KNT: Scores of pellet victims on Monday staged a peaceful protest at Press Enclave here, accusing certain individuals and organisations of forming “fake pellet unions” and collecting money in their name.

The protesters, many of them blind in one eye or having lost complete vision, assembled under the banner of the newly formed Jammu and Kashmir Pellet Victims Welfare Trust. Carrying placards, they sought justice and appealed to the people of Kashmir for financial and moral support.

President of the Trust, Muhammad Ashraf Wani, a inhabitant of Rohmu Pulwama who lost sight in his right eye and has multiple pellet injuries, said they were compelled to form a new association after others allegedly misused the identity of pellet victims. He claimed that some groups secured benefits and government jobs for select individuals while ignoring the majority.

“There are about 1,250 pellet victims across the Valley, but only 12 have been given government jobs,” Wani said, adding that many families had exhausted their savings for medical treatment. “Our sisters and mothers sold their jewellery for our medication. We are finished,” he said.

Victims narrated their experiences during the protest. Sameer Ahmed of Hasanpora Bijbehara said he was hit by pellets on July 8, 2016 when forces fired as he was coming out of Jamia Masjid. He said 35 pellets entered his body and that he loses vision completely in the evening hours.

Bilal Ahmed of Khawaja Gilgat Sopore said he lost sight in both eyes on July 13, 2016 when forces fired pellets during protests following the killing of Burhan Wani.

A 16-year-old girl from Rohmu Pulwama said she lost her left eye on October 31, 2016 when pellets hit her during protests outside her home.

The protesters demanded transparent rehabilitation measures and urged authorities to ensure that relief and employment benefits reach all genuine victims without discrimination. [KNT]