Youth killing in Srinagar triggers violent protests

By IANS

Srinagar : The killing of a 17-year-old youth in Srinagar in police action overnight triggered massive protests in the city downtown Saturday where a complete shutdown was observed.


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Muntazir Ahmad Khan was hit by a teargas shell near the Jamia Mosque after the Friday prayers.

Scores of people leaving the mosque after the Friday prayers had clashed with police and also hurled stones at them as the Kashmir valley was shut to protest alleged human rights violations in response to a call by hard-line Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Geelani.

The police made a baton charge and fired warning shots to control the crowd. Eleven people were wounded in the police action and Muntazir, removed to the Soura medical institute succumbed to his injuries late Friday.

Thousands of people shouting pro-freedom and anti-India slogans joined his funeral prayers Friday night.

Angry mobs took to the streets in various localities of downtown Srinagar Saturday morning, forced the closure of shops and pelted stones on passing vehicles.

This led to tension and panic in the downtown localities. Police, trying to control the situation, clashed with protesters in Nowhatta, Bohri-Kadal, Naid-Kadal and Gojiwara throughout the day.

Cops were forced to use baton charge and teargas shells to chase the protestors away.

The entire downtown wore a deserted look as residents preferred to stay indoors.

Heavy police contingents were deployed in the downtown localities to maintain law and order.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, chairman of the moderate Hurriyat group, condemned the killing of the youth.

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