10 injured in police action in Srinagar

Srinagar, July 1: At least ten people were injured when police burst teargas shells and resorted to baton charge to disperse demonstrators carrying the body of a youth allegedly killed by security forces at Khayam chowk last night.

Police fired dozens of teargas shells and resorted to repeated baton charge to disperse scores of people who were heading to a cemetery with the body of 30-year-old Inyatullah Bhat.

Raising pro-freedom and anti-security force slogans, demonstrators clashed with the police after they were prevented from accompanying the body to the cemetery. At least ten people were injured in police action, sources said.

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

Official sources said Bhat was allegedly shot dead near his bakery shop by security forces camping in a security force 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, sources said.

A complete shut down was observed in the area and other adjoining areas. Shops and business establishments are closed.

UNI