Azim Jan

Bandipora: Amid a complete shutdown, violent protests broke out Saturday in Hajin town of this north Kashmir district against the arrest of four youth by police on charges of stone pelting.

On Friday, Bilal Ahmed Malik, Muhammad Ashraf Mir, Muhammad Salim Dar—all residents of Hajin—and Showkat Ahmed Dar, of Saderkoot Bala were arrested by police after clashes broke out in the town in which, among others, Station House Officer, Hajin, Taufeeq Ahmed got injured.

To protest the arrests, all shops and offices remained closed in Hajin town on Saturday, while public transport was off the roads. Later in the day, groups of youth took to streets and staged demonstrations. Demanding release of the arrested youth, the protesters pelted stones on the CRPF troopers and police who were deployed in advance to thwart protests.

Forces burst teargas canisters after batons proved ineffective to disperse the agitating youth. The clashes continued for some time. However, no one was hurt, eyewitnesses told Kashmir Reader.

Meanwhile, a police official said that some ‘trouble makers’ were detained after they attacked the Army’s ‘Goodwill School’ with stones.

“All the detained will be let off if their parents assure us that the boys won’t participate in stone pelting protests and will not create law and order situation in the town,” the official added.

KR Desk