| Security forces, stone pelters clash leave 17 injured | | | Early Times Report
Srinagar, Aug 23: At least 17 people were injured today by pellets fired by security forces to quell stone- pelting mobs in Shopian district, police said.
13 of them were discharged after being administered first aid at a local hospital. Hundreds of people were protesting against the recent civilian killings in the valley at Vehil village this afternoon when some "miscreants" among them started pelting stones at security forces, a police official said.
Security forces retaliated by firing tear smoke shells and pellet guns, the official said, adding 17 people received pellet injuries. "Four of the injured have been referred to hospitals in Srinagar for specialised treatment," he added.
Reports of stone pelting were also received from Nowgam area of the city, Khushhaalpora in Sopore area of Baramulla district and Bandipora town, the official said.
The authorities yesterday relaxed curfew for eight hours in the jurisdiction of 12 police stations in Srinagar from 9 AM and the relaxation period passed off peacefully, without any untoward incident. Barring five incidents of stone-pelting, the situation in the Valley remained by and large peaceful throughout the day yesterday, the official said. The lifting of the curbs allowed movement of people in the city as there was increased movement of private cars and auto-rickshaws in and around Lal Chowk city centre today.
However, the official said, restrictions on the assembly of four or more persons under Section 144 Crpc will continue to remain imposed in the entire Valley to maintain law and order.
The separatist camp, which is spearheading the agitation in the Valley over the civilian killings during the protests against Wani's killing, has asked women to hold peaceful protests today.
65 persons, including two cops, have been killed and several thousand others injured in the clashes that began on July 9, a day after Wani was killed in an encounter with security forces in Kokernag area of Anantnag district.
Meanwhile, normal life remained paralysed for the 46th consecutive day due to curfew, restrictions and separatist sponsored strike.
Shops, private offices, educational institutions and petrol pumps remained closed while public transport continued to be off roads.The attendance in government offices and banks was also affected.
Mobile Internet also continued to remain suspended in the entire Valley, where the outgoing facility on prepaid mobiles remained barred. |
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