One killed and 40 injured in CRPF firing and teargassing in Srinagar

Srinagar, Aug 24 (UNI) One person was killed when CRPF opened fire, allegedly without any provocation, at Dalgate area while elsewhere in the summer capital 40 others were injured when security forces burst teargas shells to disperse thousands of people who defied curfew restrictions in the city and other areas in the valley today.

Official sources said a patrol party of the CRPF returning to their camp, housed in a local hotel at Dalgate, opened fire on two persons who were sitting near their house on the roadside this afternoon.

Both the injured were admitted to hospital where one of them was declared brought dead.

Later, people of the entire area took to streets raising ''pro freedom'' and anti CRPF slogans. Massive demonstration was going on alongwith the body of the deceased person.

They alleged that CRPF personnel opened fire without any provocation as there was no stone pelting or procession in the area.

However, a CRPF spokesman said some persons hurled stones on CRPF personnel who fired warning shots before resorting to direct firing.

People at Habba Kadal, Zaindar Mohalla, Pampore and other down town aras alleged that CRPF damaged window panes, doors and windows of hundreds of houses besides religious places without any provocation.

Official sources said x x x picking up from para second of Dr 13 Agitation Kashmir curfew teargas.

UNI BAS FMH RP RAI1943