Baramulla: At least seven persons were injured Friday in clashes with government forces in this north Kashmir district.
Eyewitnesses told Kashmir Reader that scores of people, mainly young boys, took to streets after the Friday prayers and staged pro-freedom and anti-India demonstrations.
The protesters hurled stones on the CRPF troopers and police near Main Chowk, Cement Bridge and Azad Gunj Bridge. The forces, eyewitnesses said, lobbed teargas canisters after they failed to disperse the protesters with baton charge.
As the clashes spread in the adjoining areas, forces used pellet guns to break up the demonstrations. At least seven people, including three shopkeepers sustained injuries in the pitched battles. One of the injured was referred to Srinagar hospital for treatment.
The clashes prompted the traders to down their shutters. Movement of transport was also hit as the clashes turned intense.
Medical Superintendent of the district hospital, Dr Bashir Ahmad, told Kashmir Reader that seven people who had suffered injuries in clashes were brought to hospital for treatment. One of the injured identified as Zubair Ahmad Haqani of old town was referred to Srinagar for specialized treatment.
“Most of the injured brought to hospital had suffered pellet injuries. Among them, two had suffered injuries in eyes, while another had sustained neck injury. All of them are stable,” he added.
Meanwhile, police said the situation remained normal across the Valley, barring few incidents of stone pelting in Naidkhai in Bandipora, Safa Kadal in Srinagar and Baramulla town.
“During the clashes, police showed maximum restraint. However, in Baramulla town some miscreants were injured, who were discharged after giving first aid in district hospital Baramulla. In the clashes four police personnel also received injuries,” the police said in a handout.