A video triggered outrage on social media sites this week, of the Indian army tying a civilian to their jeep as a 'human shield' against 'separatists' in Budgam district in Indian-controlled Kashmir.

The video clip surfaced online on April 13, amid the heightened tension after violent clashes between Indian government troops and people who oppose Indian rule. The majority of the violence occurred on  polling day for India’s parliament seat on April 9.

According to Indian Express, in the video, a civilian identified as Farooq Dar was strapped to an army jeep with a convey of military unit and some polling staff, while a soldier warned that those who throw stones would meet the same fate.

An investigation followed. Dar told the investigators that after casting his vote, he was going to his sister’s village when he was captured by the army unit who wanted to enter Beerwah village in Budgam distcit.

The civilian claimed that he was not released until being paraded in 10 to 12 villages. However, sources in the Indian army reported that Dar was picked up from a “trouble spot” and was barely tied up for 100 meters before being released. 

“This young man was TIED to the front of an army jeep to make sure no stones were thrown at the jeep? This is just so shocking!!!!” Kashmir’s former chief minister Omar Abdullah tweeted.

On April 17, just a few days later, more clashes broke out in neighboring Srinagar city. At least 100 students and some police officers were reported injured.

Kashmiris have been seething with anger since April 9, when eight people were killed by government troops during clashes on a polling day for India’s parliament seat. The bypoll was deferred to May 25 as a result.