On JRL’s call people stage protest in many areas
Protests and clashes erupted in different parts of Kashmir Valley on Friday, witnesses said.
Clashes erupted in Nowhatta while peaceful protests were held at Maisuma and Hyderpora in Srinagar city.
Reports said that Jammu and Kashmir Liberation (JKLF) staged a protest to denounce “killing spree” in Kashmir, particularly in south Kashmir districts.
Scores of JKLF leaders and activists took out a protest rally in Maisuma area of Srinagar after Friday prayers against the killings and alleged forces high-handedness.
Clashes erupted in Nowhatta area of Srinagar city where youth pelted stones on government forces who retaliated with tear-smoke shells. Friday prayers were allowed at historic Jamia Masjid, however, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq continued to remain under house arrest.
Reports said that clashes erupted between youth and government forces in Sopore town of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district after weekly congregational prayers.
Witnesses said scores of youth took to streets near Markazi Jamia Masjid Sopore and raised pro-freedom slogans as they staged protests against the killing of a teenager in pellet firing by government forces in Tral area of Pulwama district earlier this week.
The protesters pelted stones on forces deployed at Main Bazaar and Main Chowk who responded by firing teargas shells.
Shopkeepers lowered their shutters and clashes spread in the area.
Joint Resistance Leadership comprising Syed Ali Geelani, Yasin Malik and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq had called for peaceful protests after congregational weekly prayers to protest the killings and excesses.
Clashes also erupted in the Noorpora village of Tral town in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district after Government forces launched a cordon-and-search-operation. Reports said that people took to streets and staged protests as forces launched the operation in the native village of Ansar Ghawatul Hind chief Zakir Musa. media reports suggested that Musa was trapped inside the cordon, however, he managed to give a slip to forces.
Clashes also erupted in Batagund and Nowdal villages of Tral after Friday prayers. Government Forces used tear-smoke shells to disperse the protesters.
Meanwhile, police officials said the situation remained peaceful across Kashmir on Friday.
KV Correspondent
