Srinagar: Clashes break out in SP college; 15 policemen injured

Colleges opened in Kashmir on Monday after a gap of five days as authorities shut higher educational institutions as a precautionary measure in the wake of valley-wide student protests last Monday.

Srinagar, April 24: At least 15 policemen, including three senior officers, were injured on Monday in clashes between protesting students and security forces.

Students of S P College, S P Higher Secondary School and Government College for Women clashed with security personnel on Maulana Azad Road as these institutions re-opened on Monday.

Among the injured were Senior Superintendent of Police (Srinagar) Imtiyaz Hussain Parray and Superintendent of Police Sheikh Faisal, a police officer said.

Refusing to join classes, the students came out on the roads to block traffic on the busy road.

Police showed restraint while dealing with stone-pelting students. Water canon was used to disperse the students.

The students brought down a brick wall inside the college campus and used the bricks to attack the security forces.

Police said many students came out of the school and college premises, leading to more clashes with the police.

"No pellet guns were used by police to control the mob and this was done to avoid injuries to the students," the officer said.

Tear smoke shells were used to quell the mob.

Witnesses said a motorcycle pillion rider was hit by a brick hurled by the students. He was shifted to a hospital for treatment.

Markets on Residency Road and the city centre Lal Chowk were shut following the clashes.

The situation came under control after six hours, a police officer said.

Authorities allowed universities, colleges and higher secondary schools in the Kashmir Valley to open on Monday after over a week.

IANS