In the summer of 2017, after popular Hizbul Mujahideen leader
Burhan Wani was killed by Indian security forces, Kashmir
experienced months of violent protests during which Indian
officers used pellet guns - a form of a shotgun that
indiscriminately shoot up to 500 small,iron pellets - to subdue
protestors.
July 11th, 2017 in Sedow Village, the Southern part of Kashmir,
an area that experienced some of the most violence, protests
broke out on the only road passing through the village. Insha
Mushtaq Lone, who was just 14 years old and had dreams of
becoming a cardiologist, was studying at home when she looked
outside. That’s when she was shot in the face by an Indian force
officer with over 100 pellets. Insha’s front, nasal, and maxillary
bones were broken. Her right eye was ruptured, her left eye was
severely damaged.Since that day, life for Insha and her family
has completely changed.
Awards 1st Place, Portrait Series, Best of Photojournalism of NPPA
