General strike cripples life in Kashmir, woman injured in firing

Srinagar, Feb 24 (UNI) One woman was injured when security forces opened fire and police burst teargas shells to disperse angry demonstrators in down town city here as life was paralysed in the Kashmir valley on the first day of the two-day general strike in protest against the killing of four youths by the Army at Dondipora Handwara on February 22.

Official sources said security forces opened fire at Nowhatta in the down town city near the historic Jamia Masjid to disperse demonstrators protesting the killing.

One woman, walking at a distance, was hit by a bullet and was admitted in the Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences at Soura.

Police earlier, burst teargas shells and also resorted to 'lathicharge' to disperse violent demonstrators near Jamia Masjid this afternoon.

People took to streets immediately after the Friday prayers were over shouting anti security force and government slogans. As the demonstrators were marching towards the 'main chowk', police fired teargas shells and also resorted to lathicharge to disperse them.

A number of persons were injured in the clash.

Shops and business x x x picking up from para four of Dr 9 '' Agitation Kashmir strike''.

UNI BAS PA PM1731