Hours after Amit Shah introduced a Bill in the Rajya Sabha to abrogate Article 370, and New Delhi announced the revocation of Article 35-A, the first clash between a group of local youths and the CRPF occurred in Noorbagh area of downtown Srinagar on 5 August. The locals carried two youngsters — Mussaib (22) and Nadeem (18) — both residents of Palpora Noorbagh — to SMHS Hospital, while alleging that the duo had ‘drowned to death’ in the Jhelum, during the CRPF action.

Doctors, upon examination, admitted Nadeem for treatment, and declared Mussaib ‘brought dead’. Post recovery, Nadeem ‘disappeared’, and nothing more was heard about him.

After a clash in the neighbouring Safakadal on 17 August, residents brought Mohammad Ayub Khan (65) of Braripora, Sekidafar, to SMHS. They alleged that the septuagenarian had become unconscious due to teargas. On examination, doctors declared him ‘brought dead’. Thereafter, Mussaib and Mohammad Ayub Khan’s mortal remains were interred in a local cemetery.