Kashmir's Hospitals are overflowing with patients who sustained pellet wounds in their eyes.
Highlights
- 34 people died, more than 1400 injured in Kashmir clashes so far
- There's an overwhelming number of eye injuries, says doctors
- Health ministry sent 3-member team of doctors from Delhi's AIIMS
Patients lying on the floor, crammed between beds - that's how the ophthalmology ward of Srinagar's SMHS hospital looks. Over the last 5 days, the hospital has received more than 100 patients with serious eye injuries -- all victims of pellet guns used by security forces to control protesters.
Thirty-four people have died and more than 1,400 have been injured in clashes since Saturday, when protests erupted across the valley following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Burhan Wani, who was the face of new-age militancy in the Valley.
"We don't have a clear number of those who have suffered bullet and pellet injuries. But there are many children and young people who have received pellet injuries in the eye and our effort is that they should not lose their eyesight," said Asgar Samoon, Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir.
Union Health Ministry rushed a three-member team of eye specialists from AIIMS. Union Health Minister JP Nadda later tweeted:
The Centre's response came following a state government request for a specialised team of eye surgeons. "Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti spoke to Health Minister JP Nadda this morning," said a government spokesman.
Earlier today, former chief minister and National Conference chief Omar Abdullah had tweeted:
Among the injured is 10-year-old Tamana from Ganderbal, who was hit by pellets while sitting at the window of her home, watching a protest demonstration outside. "I don't know why did they (the police) fired pellets at me," said Tamana.
Doctors say they are not sure if her eyesight can be restored. "We are trying our level best," said ophthalmologist Dr Sajad Khanday.
It's not just the huge number of injured that's the main challenge, Hospitals, doctors and paramedics are facing wrath of both protesters and security forces. Over the last 4 days, More than 60 ambulances carrying the injured have been attacked.
"Don't let the CRPF operate independently. They should be accompanied by the police component because I have received complainants that they are targeting ambulances," said Mr Samoon. "This is condemnable. I'm also asking the people not to attack ambulances," said Mr Samoon.
The challenge for the government is to break the cycle of violence.