Protesters pelting stone at CRPF vehicle after protest demonstration against the killing of youth in Srinagar on Tuesday. KT Photo:Imran Ali

Clashes leave dozens injured in Kupwara

‘They were protesting against establishment of Sainik colonies

Srinagar, Jun 24 : Dozens of people including a school going girl and scores of police personnel’s wereFriday injured during clashes between youth and forces in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district.




According to KNS correspondent, as soon as the Friday congregation prayers ended in the Masjids, the youth took to streets and staged protest against setting up of proposed sainik colonies while chanting pro-freedom, anti-government slogans.

The protesters mostly youth marched from Jamia Masjid Kupwara to main chowk.
However, police disbursed to tear smoke shells to disperse the agitated youth who were throwing stones to them.

Eye-witnesses told KNS correspondent that a school going girl, several police personnel’s including some officers and many civilians were injured during the clashes in the area.

The clashes were ongoing when the report was last filed.

BMO Kupwara, Dr Fareed Ahmad told KNS that at least 15 civilians received injuries during the clashes who were treated in the hospital. “All injured civilians are stable,” he said.
SP Kupwara, Aijaz Ahmad told KNS that several police personnel’s received injuries during the clashes. “I am personally handling the situation,” he said.




Meanwhile, clashes erupted in Reshi Bazar and Sherbagh area of old town in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district.

The youth took to streets while raising anti-government and pro-freedom slogans. “Police resorted to teargas shells and to disperse the agitated youth,” reports said, adding that the youth also attacked Sherbagh police station with stones.

The clashes later on spread to Cheeni chowk areas. (KNS)