5 policemen among 12 injured in Kashmir clash

Baramulla, May 2 (UNI) At least 12 people, including five police personnel, were injured when police fired in the air and burst teargas shells today to disperse demonstrators protesting against the death of an 8-year-old boy in a road accident.

Official sources said hundreds of people took to street at Chankipora, Sopore, in this district when Irshad Ahmad Changa was killed on the spot after a passenger bus hit him.

The mob later set the bus on fire and blocked traffic on the main road.

Police fired several rounds in the air and also burst teargas shells after repeated lathicharge failed to control the demonstrators who indulged in stone pelting.

The protestors also set ablaze a police jeep, sources said, adding 12 people, including five police personnel were injured. The five policemen included two sub-inspectors Constable Feriz Ahmed and Manzoor Ahmed. Constable Mohammad Ashraf was referred to the Srinagar hospital in a critical condition, they added.

The driver of the vehicle has been arrested, sources said, adding the situation was now under control but tense.

Shops and other business establishments in the area remained closed and traffic was off the road in protest against the incident.

UNI