Shutdown in Srinagar against killing of a Kashmiri singer by CRPF

Srinagar, Jul 1 (UNI) A shutdown was today observed in the city in protest against the killing of a Kashmiri singer allegedly by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in the downtown area last night.

At least 20 people were injured when police fired teargas shells and resorted to a baton charge to disperse demonstrators carrying the body of Inyatullah Bhat, allegedly killed by CRPF at Munwar chowk in the down town city.

Raising pro-freedom and anti-security force slogans, demonstrators clashed with the police after they were prevented from accompanying the body to the grave yard for burial. At least 20 people were injured in police action, the sources said, adding the injured included some police personnel.

Earlier, chairman of the breakaway Hurriyat Conference (HC) Syed Ali Shah Geelani joined the funeral procession of the youth and also led the funeral prayers.

Official sources said Bhat was allegedly shot dead near his bakery shop by the CRPF camping in a nearby camp set up in a hotel.

The family members of the youth alleged that he was shot by the security forces when he was closing his shop.

They further alleged that security forces tried to take away the body so that they (security forces) could declare him a militant.

However, family members and other residents did not allow it, they said.

Shops and business establishments at Munwar Abad, Khayam, Barbar Shah remained closed since morning in protest against the incident.

Shopkeeprs of Khanyar, Polo View, Residency Road, Maisuma, Lal Chowk, Dalgate and Gaw Kadal also joined the strike. Traffic movement was also disrupted after agitators set on fire tyres on the road.

A CRPF spokesman said at 2150 hours when some CRPF vehicles were entering the camp, a youth came from bylane running towards the camp. However, sentry posted there warned him and asked him to stop, he said, adding after the youth did not stop and a jawan shot at him. He later died, the spokesman added.

Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, main opposition party in the state and Jammu and Kashmir Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) have condemned the incident.

A JeI spokesman said incidents of Human Rights (HR) violations have increased after Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad justified the firing by security forces on processionists at Bandipora.

UNI BAS VD HT1527