South Asia Human Rights Journalist Association

Srinagar, Aug 16, 2014: A 20-year-old 10th class student, Ishfaq Ahmad Parray,  who received volley of pellets on his body during Indian police action against protesters in Hajin area in Bandipora district on August 15 is battling for life at Soura Institute of Medical Sciences in Srinagar.
Ishfaq Ahmad Parray, son of Mukhtar Ahmad Parray, was injured outside his home in Kochak Mohalla, Hajin when Indian police and Army fired teargas shells and pellets at the protesters.
Cops in civvies fired pepper gas shells in the main market in Hajan without any provocation at a time when people were shopping and closing down their shops,” said a local, Muhammad Amin.
On August 15, Friday afternoon, he said, youths, after offering congregational prayers, took to roads and shouted anti-India slogans to which forces responded with teargas shells. Local sources said that police last evening fired Pepper gas shells when markets were about to close resulting in chaos and tension. The protest was against that unprovoked police action.
On August 15, a report said pellets hit Ishfaq Ahmad Parray son of Mukhtar Ahmad in his chest and neck. He was referred to a hospital in Srinagar. “The patient is stable. But he was referred to Srinagar as he had developed some swelling,” Block Medical Officer Hajin, Tariq Ahmad, told media men on August 15.
“Forces lobbed dozens of teargas shells to disperse the youths,” an eyewitness, Ishfaq Ahmad said.
Doctors treating Ishfaq are keeping their fingers crossed. According to them, he has undergone serious shock after being hit by around 500 pellets on different parts of body, including head and chest. Doctors at Soura Medical Institue say the injuries are severe and difficult to handle.
Medical Superintendent Soura Institute of Medical Sciences, Dr Farooq Ahmad confirmed that Ishfaq has received injuries all over his body including right eye.
“He has lost sight in his right eye and received serious injury in the chest,” he said.
Dr Farooq said the patient is stable but needs many surgical injuries.
A 10th class student, Ishfaq has been doing part time jobs to contribute to his family income. He is under treatment in the Casuality Ward of Soura hospital in Srinagar and his condition remains critical.
“Blood loss could be one of the reasons,” said a doctor. “His critical condition could also be related to heart and brain.”
Outside the ward, Ishfaq’s whole family waits for his recovery.