Over 100 injured in clashes, protests across Valley

Majid Jahangir

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, August 9

Over 100 persons were injured during protests and clashes even as curfew and restrictions continued in various parts of Kashmir for the 32nd day today.

Curfew remained in force in various areas of old Srinagar and parts of south Kashmir, the epicentre of the unrest.

“Curfew continued in Anantnag in south Kashmir, areas under five old city police stations and Batmaloo in uptown Srinagar. Curfew-like restrictions continued in Kupwara, Langate, Handwara and other areas in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district,” a police officer said.

In south Kashmir, at least 60 persons were injured as security forces used force to quell protests in the Vessu area of Qazigund.

At Waghama in south Kashmir, protesters spotted three policemen in civvies among them. Two of them fled, but the third was beaten up by youths. Village heads made sure that he was rescued and taken to hospital.

Nearly 40 persons were injured in clashes in Baramulla and Kupwara districts of north Kashmir. At least 30 protesters were injured during clashes at Singhpora Pattan in Baramulla. Four protesters were injured in clashes in Yatipora Pattan.

At least six persons were injured in clashes at Lalpora in Kupwara. A police spokesman said a mob of around 3,000 started throwing stones at police and security forces’ personnel.

The spokesman said some militants were spotted amid mob at Lalpora. “During dispersal of the mob, two persons were hurt,” he said. In Srinagar, clashes were reported from Noorbagh, Batamaloo and Rainwari. Nearly a dozen persons were injured.

Some miscreants threw stones at the house of a Sikh in Rainwari. The president of the Srinagar District Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee said steps taken by both communities defused tension.

Responding to separatists, women took out marches in parts of the Valley. Shops opened in the Valley, including Srinagar, after 6 pm.

Acting DGP SK Mishra said the situation was improving. He said they might procure additional manpower if the situation deteriorated.

“It is improving. We will enhance deployment to ensure that no untoward incident occurs,” he added. “We will try, but in case the situation deteriorates, we will procure additional manpower,” he further said.