Srinagar: At least fourteen people including two non-locals were injured in clashes that broke out in various parts of Kashmir amid a curfew and shutdown on Thursday against the killing of a youth last evening in downtown Srinagar.
22 year old Bashir Ahmad was killed after ‘security forces’ opened fire on protesters in Nawa Kadal area of Old CityWednesday late evening soon after the polling for parliamentary constituency of Srinagar concluded at 26 percent turnout.
The killing sparked widespread anti-India clashes in parts of Srinagar particularly in downtown areas that left around 18 people including a woman and forces men injured. The government announced curfew on Wednesday late evening to curb protests and clashes in downtown while pro-freedom leaders called for a shutdown for today. The government reportedly also ordered ‘magisterial probe’ in the incident.
Since Thursday morning, hundreds of police and paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in riot gear and holding assault rifles were deployed across the downtown. The forces had erected barricades, concertina wires and mobile bunkers to restrict the civilian movement, eyewitnesses told GNS.
“The curfew was strictly imposed in volatile areas of downtown including Nowhatta, Saraf Kadal, Rajouri Kadal, Nawa Kadal, and Kawdara,” they said, alleging many people weren’t allowed even to buy milk and bread in the morning.
In Civil Lines and uptown areas of the capital, a complete shutdown was observed against the killing of Bashir with shops, schools, colleges and other commercial establishment shut while private and public transport was also off the roads. Besides, the work in banks and government offices was also affected with thin attendance of employees. The city wore a deserted lookon Thursday with deployment of police and CRPF troopers at sensitive places.
Meanwhile, clashes broke out at Maisuma and Narbal areas of the city in which three people sustained injuries. At Maisuma, a pedestrian identified as Umar Nazir of nearby Gawkadal locality sustained injury after he was hit by a stone.
A non-local couple sustained injuries after their vehicle (JK01E – 3461) in which they were travelling was stoned by youth in Narbal on Srinagar-Gulmarg highway. Sources identified the couple as Shalina Devi and Lakshman of Mumbai.
Amid shutdown, youth attacked several forces vehicles with stones at Bemina, witnesses said.
In north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, six people sustained injuries during violent clashes amid shutdown against the killing of the youth in downtown
Eyewitnesses said since morning youth assembled near Cement Bridge, SRTC Bridge, Khanpora Bridge and held pro-freedom protests against the killing of Bashir. The protesters pelted stones on government forces in the town ensuing clashes. The forces fired several tear smoke shells to disperse the protesters and also fired pellets. At Azad Gunj, during clashes, four people sustained injuries due to pellets and they were shifted to hospital.
The clashes also erupted in Sopore town of the district. Reports said the clashes between youth and government forces erupted at Batapora in which two people sustained injuries. Clashes also erupted at Sangrama.
Confirming injuries, a senior medical official told GNS that they received six people with stones and pellet injuries. “But, they have minor injuries and are out of danger,” he said.
There were reports of minor clashes in Palhallan hamlet. However, forces managed to bring situation to normal. There was complete shutdown in the area.
The clashes also erupted in Gulshan Chowk Bandipora where six people including three government forces men sustained injuries. “Three forces personal have sustained injuries. We exercised maximum restraint,” a paramilitary officer told GNS.
The protests were also held at Hajin Township of the district against the killing in the morning, a local told GNS.
In Kupwara, youth resorted to minor stone-throwing at Rigipora. However, situation returned to normal amid shutdown.
A complete shutdown was also observed in central Kashmir’s Budgam and Ganderbal district.
In south Kashmir’s Pulwama, Kulgam, Shopian and Anantnag, a complete shutdown was observed amid clashes at several places.
One person was injured at Drangbal in Pulwama district during clashes between youth and government forces. The clashes also erupted at Litter and Pampore.
At Muran Chowk, youth resorted to stone-throwing and enforced shutdown in the morning. Minor stone-throwing incidents were also reported from Samboora and Kakapora areas. The Shopian’s Gagran village also witnessed clashes between youth and government forces.
In many parts of central Kashmir’s Budgam district including Kralpora, Mocho and Ompora observed a complete shutdown.
Meanwhile, a police spokesman in a statement issued to GNS said that situation remained normal throughout the valley. However, isolated minor stone pelting by some miscreants were reported from Gulshan Chowk and Papchan in Bandipora, Ompora in Budgam, Pampore in Pulwama and Baramulla.However, there are no reports of any injury to anybody so far. (GNS)