25 injured in Kashmir after curfew relax

Srinagar, Aug 31: Security forces burst teargas shells and resorted to lathicharge to disperse demonstrators in the downtown and Sher-e-Khas areas of the city immediately after curfew was relaxed on Sunday, Aug 31 for three hours from 9 am. About 25 agitators were injured, one reportedly with a bullet. However, situation elsewhere in the city was by and large peaceful so far.

Official sources said as soon as the authorities announced curfew relaxation in the entire city, people, mostly youths took to streets at Nallah Mar, Bohri Kadal, Nawa Bazar, Nawa Kadal, Saraf Kadal and other adjoining areas raising pro freedom slogans. Demanding immediate release of all separatist leaders and other detenues, the demonstrators raised slogans against the Hindu fundamentalist who forced economic blockade and attacked Muslims and Kashmiri drivers in Jammu during two months agitation there.

However, when security forces tried to stop them from moving towards other areas, the demonstrators pelted stones. Security forces and police personnel resorted to lathicharge to disperse them which had no affect. Later, security forces burst teargas shells to disperse the demonstrators, who were regrouping again and pelting stones on them.

Security forces opened fire after the demonstrators refused to disperse even the authorities announced reimposition of the curfew.

One person was reportedly hit by a bullet while 15 others were injured in teargassing, lathicharge and stone pelting, sources said.

A report from Baramulla said thousands of people took to streets at apple township of Sopore, about 55 km from here in north Kashmir after the curfew was relaxed there.

Raising pro freedom slogans, when the protestors were marching towards the main chowk, police and CRPF burst teargas shells and resorted to batoncharge to disperse them.

The battle continued for about an hour, forcing authorities to reimpose the curfew in the town. About ten people were injured in the clash.

Similar reports were also received from Kupwara town, the report said.

However, situation in other towns and tehsil headquarters in the valley where curfew has been relaxed was by and large peaceful.

UNI