Youth injured in scuffle with CRPF

Srinagar, Jan 20 (UNI) A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) spokesman today said a youth was injured after he was trying to snatch a rifle from a jawan in south Kashmir district of Pulwama.

However, locals who protested against the incident yesterday alleged that Shiraz Ahmad Bhat was injured in CRPF firing.

CRPF spokesman Prabhakar Tripathi said a group of three youths, when challenged by a patrol party of 130 battalion CRPF tried to escape at village Chursoo, Awantipora, of Pulwama district.

However, two of them were overpowered after a long chase while another managed to escape, he added.

He said when the senior Company Commander of CRPF reached the spot, some people started pelting stones and raised slogans against the force.

Meanwhile, one of the detained youths, tried to snatch a rifle from a jawan and in the process got injured.

He said Shiraz, who was admitted in the hospital, and another youth are still under detention.

''We have registered a case with police station Awantipora, he said.

However, locals, who took to the streets yesterday, contested the CRPF claim and alleged the youths were actually the victims.

Demanding action against the CRPF and immediate release of the arrested youths, they claimed Shiraz was injured after a CRPF jawan fired at him.

UNI BAS FMH SB AS1509