JK: 20 persons, including jouralists, policemen injured

Srinagar, Apr 5: At least 20 people, including five media persons and some police personnel were injured, when police fired teargass shells and resorted to baton charge to disperse demonstrators in the downtown area today.

Official sources said people at Saidpora in the downtown city took to the streets again this morning in protest against dumping garbage in the area.

Police resorted to lathicharge when the demonstrators refused to allow traffic movement on the main road.

However, when it did have an effect on the demonstrators, who also pelted stones and bricks police, police fired dozens of teargass shells.

Raising slogans against the authorities, the demonstrators said they will not allow dumping of garbage in the area.

Sources said about 20 people, including five journalsits, mostly camerapersons and photographers were injured in the clash. A number of policemen were also hit by flying stones.

The Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) has purchased a piece of land in the area for dumping garbage.

Yesterday too people did not allow dozens of trucks loaded with city refuse to be dumped in the area.

The people of the area alleged that nearby Khushalsar Lake water was polluted causing water born diseases to local residents.

Demanding immediate shifting of the dumping ground to another place, the residents said they will not allow any more dumping of garbage there.

UNI