Srinagar: Clashes between youth and government forces erupted in parts of Kashmir Valley after Friday prayers against the recent civilian and militant killings while a complete shutdown was observed in Shopian Town on straight 5th day today even as the authorities allowed prayers in historic Jamia Masjid of Old City here.
According to GNS correspondent, stone-pelting clashes erupted outside mini Secretariat Shopian, Sofa Naman and Memander areas.
Scores of youths pelted stones on police and paramilitary CRPF in these areas. The forces retaliated by firing tear gas and pellets.
Ten youths suffered minor injuries in clashes while as one youth namely Mushtaq Ahmad Malik son of Ghulam Mohudin Malik of Pinjoora received pellet wounds and was shifted to Shopian hospital where from he was later referred to Srinagar hospital for specialized treatment.
Reports of clashes between youth protesters and government forces were also received from Tengpora Byepass, Saraf Kadal, Soura and Brein Nishat. Eyewitnesses said dozens of youth assembled in these areas and pelted stones on police and CRPF after Friday prayers. The forces responded with teargas shells and pepper grenades. No one was reported injured in these clashes, they said.
Meanwhile, there were no restrictions in any part of Old City today and the Jamia Masjid was also open for public. As per GNS, hundreds of people offered Friday prayers at Jamia Masjid and chairman of Hurriyat Conference (M) Mirwaiz Umer Farooq addressed the people before the prayers.
On Sunday, four youths and two militants were killed in army firing at Pahnoo village of Shopian. While army had said the youth were accompanying the militants and were killed in an encounter along with them and police had said it was investigating the matter. The chief minister Mehbooba Mufti had said the youth were “caught in the crossfire”. (GNS)