A computer operator, Mehraj Shah (26) was shot dead by a CRPF jawan in Narbal area of Budgam district in wake of Ramzan. It is said that he went to drop his uncle to the local police control control. According to The Kashmir Walla, he was asked for an ID proof at a checkpoint and as he was about to show the same, he was shot dear by a CRPF jawan. However, the police had an another version of the story.

The police said he was going in a wrong direction of the road from where Indian Army vehicles were approached. The patrol team thought it was going to be an attack on army and they opened fire on the car in which Mehraj was travelling, thereby killing him on the spot. This incident triggered anti-India protests in valley as people echoed slogans like “Go India, Go Back” and “Azaadi”. There were reports of pellet guns and tear gas firing on the protesters besides shutting down internet services.
This incident of killing a civilian came to limelight amidst of Covid-19 pandemic and it added further distress to the people of Kashmir. They were being in the extreme state of oppression since 5th August 2019 yet there is no sigh of relief provided by the central government. It is hard to digest the fact that a civilian was killed merely for violating the check-post. The democracy cannot be imposed on the behest of oppression rule. The investigation and compensation will serve any sort of justice because of the extra powers given to the security forces here. By killing innocent civilians, the government is fueling the fire of hate in the hearts of Kashmiris and it will be a difficult road-map ahead to win their hearts.