Srinagar, Dec 05: Human rights violations continue to be a major concern in Kashmir, with figures suggesting that the graph of civilian casualties has remained almost constant in the last about nine years.
According to the figures maintained by the Jammu Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society (JKCCS), at least 4,038 people have been killed in the valley between 2008 and December 2018.
At least, 1,067 of them have been unarmed civilians, the data shows.
In 2008, 157 civilians were killed in Kashmir Valley, the data shows.
The total number of civilians killed in 2009 was 99, which rose to 167 in 2010.
However, the data suggests a decrease in the number of fatalities in 2011and 2012.
In 2011, as per the data, the total killings were 228 including 71 army personnel, 101 militants, and 56 civilians.
In 2012, 143 killing took place comprising 36 army personnel, 75 militants, and 32 civilians, it shows.
In 2013, 2014, and 2015, the total number of killings was 203, 235, and 219, respectively.
In 2016 the violence escalated following the killing of Hizbul Mujahidin Commander, Burhan Wani.
That year, 395 killings were reported included 104 army personnel, 145 militants, and 146 civilians.
The start of operation All Out by the Government of India in June 2017 has so far resulted in the killing of 464 militants in two years.
In 2017 and 2018, the total number of civilians killed at the encounter sites has been 254.
Speaking to The Kashmir Monitor, JKCCS’ Khurram Parvez said, “There is no increase in the number of killings at the hands of militants but there is a tremendous increase in the government forces targeting militants and civilians.”
“Civilians are being targeted in their homes, as we see the 18-month-old kid getting blinded in her home.”
He said the reason of the civilian casualties was the government forces targeting them “indiscriminately and excessively”.
