NEW DELHI: The security forces in India-held Kashmir blocked medical care for injured protesters by firing on ambulances, holding up emergency vehicles and preying on hospital patients during clashes in the disputed region, a health rights group said on Tuesday.

At least 100 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 militant leader, Burhan Wani, in a joint army and police operation on July 8.

The Physicians for Human Rights (PHR), a New York-headquartered advocacy group, said not only did the police and paramilitary personnel use excessive force during the massive 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 long-standing protection afforded to medical workers and facilities in times of conflict and civil unrest,” said PHR director of programmes Widney Brown.

“What’s more, the doctors we interviewed said police were present in their hospitals, intimidating patients and monitoring those being admitted,’’ he added.

The report also said security forces harassed medical workers attempting to treat protesters and prevented doctors from reaching the hospitals where they worked.

Published in Dawn, December 7th, 2016