Sources told CNS that after receiving inputs about the presence of militants in Naira area of Pulwama district, Army personnel from 55 RR cordoned off Masjid Mohalla of the said hamlet. Eyewitnesses said that as the Army personnel were busy in cordoning the area, scores of people including youth staged a massive protest against them and resorted heavy stone pelting on them.
“In order to disperse the protestors, Army personnel fired several shots in air which created panic in the area. The aerial firing continued for several minutes while people ran for cover. Even after aerial firing, the protestors regrouped themselves and continued to pelt stones on Army,” an eyewitness told CNS.
Reports said soon after the incident, Army sought reinforcement and more troopers reached in the area. The Army despite facing resistance from people cordoned off the area. Eyewitnesses said that Army did not find anything and the cordon was lifted after thorough search operation.
A Defense spokesperson told CNS that he would try to find out what actually has happened.
Meanwhile, complete shutdown was observed in Shopian for the second day against the killing of two Hizb militants. All the shops and business establishments remained closed while transport was off the roads. Reports said that hundreds of people visited to the houses of slain militants to express solidarity with their families. (CNS)