Violence erupts in Srinagar after Eid prayers

Srinagar, Sep 11: The authorities' decision to not impose any restrictions or curfew in Kashmir Valley in the view of Eid-ul-Fitr seems to have backfired as violence erupted in Srinagar on Saturday, Sep 11 after the Eid prayers.

A procession led by separatists torched a police barrack outside the Hazratbal shrine. The chairman of Hurriyat group, Mirwaiz Umer Farooq, is leading the procession towards Lal Chowk.

Curfew and restrictions were lifted on Thursday, Sep 9 so as to allow people to offer Eid prayers. Authorities expected the people to offer prayers at the Eidgah grounds and later disperse peacefully.

However, this expectations of peace were brought down suddenly when a large procession of people gathered outside the Hazratbal shrine and torched the barracks of the local armed police posted on duty at the shrine.

Police fired shots in the air in a bid to contain the violence. However, no one was hurt.

Officials believe that this move by the separatists was taken to foment anti-national feelings. Scores of youngsters have already reached Lal Chowk where they are raising pro-independence slogans.

Despite provocations, police and paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) have been asked to not use force.

"Instructions have been given to the deployed security forces to maintain restraint so that the designs of anti-social elements who are trying to incite people to violence are defeated," a police officials told a news agency.

OneIndia News