Undeclared curfew imposed in Shopian after massive protests

Srinagar, Nov 29 (UNI) Undeclared curfew has been imposed in Shopian town in south Kashmir today after bursting of teargas shells and lathicharge failed to disperse the demonstrators, protesting against the alleged custodial death of a youth.

Hundreds of people, including women, took to streets, alleging that the Army killed the youth, Ghulam Hassan, after his arrest three days ago.

''We approached the camp where they refused to give the whereabouts of the youth,'' the demonstrators said, suspecting that he might have allegedly been killed in custody.

Raising ''pro-freedom'' slogans, they later marched towards the Army camp. However, then security forces resorted to lathicharge, which had no affect.

They security forces burst teargas shells to disperse the demonstrators, who were pelting stones.

Later, announcements were made that curfew has been imposed and people were directed to remain indoor.

Official sources, however, said it was not immediately known whether Ghulam Hassan had died in custody.

UNI BAS SBC KN1917