Pakistan, IS flags surface in Srinagar clashes

Srinagar, Jun 26: Clashes broke out today between pro-separatist protestors and security forces during which Pakistan and global terror outfit IS flags were raised by some youth in Nowhatta area here.

As soon as the Friday prayers were over at Jamia Masjid, a large number of youth raised pro-freedom and pro-Pakistan slogans and tried to march towards Nowhatta Chowk, police said.

Security forces deployed there asked the youth to disperse but they pelted stones on the forces leading to intense clashes between the two sides.

Police fired dozens of warning shots and tear smoke shells to disperse the protesters. There was no report of injury to anyone in the clashes. Some youth also waved Pakistan and IS flags during the protest.

"Some youth waved Pakistani and IS flags during the rally," police said.

Meanwhile, chairman of moderate faction of Hurriyat Confernece, Mirwaiz Umer Farooq claimed police fired tear smoke shells inside the mosque, terming the action as "interference in religious affairs".

Accusing the government of deliberately creating such a law and order problem by deploying forces in large numbers, Mirwaiz asked the administration to desist from creating such a situation in future.

Condemning the police action, Anjuman Awqaf Jama Masjid, which manages the affairs of the grand mosque, called for a strike in Srinagar district tomorrow.

The strike call has been supported by Mirwaiz led Hurriyat Conference.

PTI