Stone pelters of Kashmir: Here's a look at those behind masks

FP Staff • July 9, 2017, 19:34:41 IST

Many stone pelters are young men in Jammu and Kashmir find themselves fighting street battles, slinging stones at pellet gun-wielding police officers from their own communities, and even their own families.

Stone pelters clash with police during disturbances in Srinagar, in Jammu and Kashmir. Saturday marked the first death anniversary of slain Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani whose death last year sparked violent clashes which have now spread to college campuses and schools. Reuters

Many young men in the state find themselves fighting street battles, slinging stones at pellet gun-wielding police officers from their own communities, and even their own families. Reuters

For this 19-year-old student and stone pelter, who wished to remain anonymous, a stone is more powerful than a gun. “My father is in the police. I feel a stone is a more potent weapon than a gun. We are being forced to resort to violence. I feel violence is the best way to achieve lasting peace,” he said. Reuters

Police officers take cover from stone pelters during disturbances in Srinagar. The police is drawing a new generation into a decades-old struggle for ‘azaadi’, or independence, for India’s only Muslim-majority region, which is also claimed by neighbouring Pakistan. Reuters

This 20-year-old student and stone pelter said “I was hit by pellets during stone pelting. I didn’t tell anyone and went inside Jamia Masjid. Then I went home and slept in my room and didn’t tell my family about it and finally, they came to know and I was taken to SHMS hospital in Srinagar. I have 80 percent of vision in my right eye now. If I get a chance, I can pick up gun,” he said. Reuters

A police officer throws a rock at stone pelters during disturbances in Srinagar. Slender employment prospects prompt many residents of the region to join the police force. Reuters

A 24-year-old police officer, who asked to remain anonymous, poses for a portrait in Kashmir. “I joined the police as I had no job. Being part of the police force is very difficult for me under these circumstances but I have no choice. Even our own children and relatives take part in these protests,” he said. Reuters

A 23-year-old student and stone pelter, who asked to remain anonymous, said, “If I get a weapon, I am ready to join the militancy - but for the time being, the stone is our weapon,” he said. “My father is in the police, posted in Srinagar. He used to tell me to join the police, but now he does not insist.” Reuters

This 18-year-old student and stone pelter, wishing to remain anonymous, said, “I was hit by pellets last year during stone pelting and taken to a nearby hospital. There were 48 pellets in my body, out of which 35 were removed and rest are still inside,” he said. Reuters

A stone pelter throws a tear gas canister back at police during disturbances in Srinagar in Kashmir. Pellet guns are intended not to be lethal, but their use by Indian security forces has caused severe injuries and several deaths of bystanders, women and children among them. Human rights groups have urged India to renounce their use, calling it a violation of United Nations’ principles of restraint. Reuters

However, the young men and women protesting the security forces know no fear of injury or death. For this 20-year-old student and stone pelter, who asked to remain anonymous, he’s willing to pick up the gun if given a chance. “I was hit by pellets during stone pelting. I have 80 percent vision in my right eye now, but if I get a chance, I can pick up a gun,” he said. Reuters