Wounded Kashmiris blocked from medical help during clashes
NEW DELHI- Indian security forces in Kashmir blocked medical care for injured protesters by firing on ambulances, holding up emergency vehicles and preying on hospital patients during clashes in the restive region this year, a health rights group said on Tuesday.
At least 80 civilians were killed and more than 10,000 wounded in almost five months of clashes between protesters and security forces, sparked by the killing of a leading separatist militant in a joint army and police operation on July 8.
Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) said not only did police and paramilitary forces use excessive force during the unrest, they also delayed wounded people seeking medical attention, increasing the likelihood of permanent injuries and deaths.
"Such delays in care are violations of the longstanding protections afforded to medical workers and facilities in times of conflict and civil unrest," said Widney Brown, director of programs for PHR, a New York-headquartered advocacy group.
