80 injured in Kashmir protests

Srinagar, Aug 11: About 80 people were injured when security forces opened fire, burst teargas shells and resorted to lathicharge to disperse processionists who were trying to join the Muzaffarabad March at different places in the Kashmir valley on Monday, Aug 11.

The Muzaffarabad March call was given by both the factions of the Hurriyat Conference (HC) as the Kashmir Fruit Growers Association (KFGA) has said they will take their fruit trucks to 'Azad Kashmir' through Jhelum Valley road in protest against the 'economic blockade' and attacks on Kashmiri truck drivers in Jammu. Thousands of people took to streets in different down town areas and were marching towards Parimpora fruit Mandi when they were stopped by a strong contingent of security forces and police.

The processionists were raising pro-freedom and anti-Hindu fundamentalists slogans. However, when the processionists refused to disperse, police burst teargas shells and also resorted to repeated lathicharge.

The processionists turned violent and clashed with the security forces, pelting stones on them from different directions.

Bursting of teargas shells continued for about half-a-hour which was followed by firing in the air but there was no affect on the processionists who continued stone pelting.

UNI