Protests in Srinagar over CRPF ''high-handedness''

Srinagar, Apr 27 (UNI) Massive protests rocked Dalgate area of the Srinagar city today after a shopkeeper was allegedly beaten up by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel deployed there.

Eyewitnesses said the CRPF personnel thrashed the shopkeeper, identified as Muzammil, without any provocation.

''Muzammil was mercilessly beaten up by the CRPF personnel without any reason or provocation,'' they added.

The residents further alleged that the CRPF personnel have subjected them along with the shopkeepers to severe harassment for several months now.

''The high-handedness of the CRPF personnel is evident by the fact that anybody, whether a shopkeeper or a resident, is beaten up without any provocation. We are living at the mercy of these CRPF personnel,'' the angry protestors alleged.

Later, the residents, shouting anti-CRPF slogans, took out a protest march in the area, condemning the alleged high-handedness and harassment by the security personnel.

Shopkeepers also downed their shutters to join the procession.

Senior police officers rushed to the area and were seen pacifying the angry protestors, who demanded strict action against the errant security personnel.

Police said they have lodged a first information report (FIR) against the CRPF personnel at the Ram Munshi Bagh police station.

UNI