Massive anti US protest rock Kashmir again, 20 injured in clashes

Srinagar, Jan 4 (UNI) At least 20 persons were injured when police fired in the air and shot rubber bullets to disperse a violent mob, protesting against the execution of ousted Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, in the city today.

Shouting anti-US and anti-Bush slogans, a large number of angry protestors took to streets at Nowhatta and Gojwara near the historic Jamia Masjid.

The demonstrators also burnt US President George W Bush in effigy.

As the protestors tried to break the cordon proceed towards the main city, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and police personnel deployed there tried to stop them.

However, when the demonstrators refused to disperse, CRPF and police resorted to baton charge and also burst teargas shells.

A UNI correspondent who was present at the spot witnessed a security force personnel being hit by a stone. The Security personnel later fired few rounds in the air.

About 20 others, mostly civilians, including two women, were injured in the clash, official sources said.

Later, security forces fired rubber bullets after repeated tear gassing and lathicharging had no affect on the violent demonstrators.

Shops and business establishments in the area remained closed and traffic was also suspended. Traffic towards Soura and other city outskirt areas was diverted through alternative route.

Police then resorted to baton-charge and fired teargas shells to disperse the mob.

Outraged at the hanging, a group of people also took to streets at Maisuma near here this morning. Shouting anti-US slogans, the demonstrators also pelted stones on police and passing vehicles.

Majority shops in the area remained closed due to stone pelting.

The 69-year-old depoed leader of Iraq was executed at dawn on December 30.

Earlier on November five, a US-sponsored court in Baghdad had sentenced the deposed Iraqi president to death by hanging after being found guilty of crimes against humanity for his role in the killing of 148 Shi'ite villagers following an assassination attempt on his life in 1982.

UNI