Campuses erupted in protests on Tuesday against the killings of a civilian and militants, including LeT commander Abu Dujana, in an encounter ensuing clashes in Pulwama district.

Clashes between students and police lasted for several hours at uptown Residency Road and Moulana Azad Road as the news about civilian and militant killing spread in the area.

A civilian was killed during protest and clashes between youth and security forces at the encounter site in Hakripora village where LeT commander Abu Dujana and his associate, Arif Nabi Dar were killed by forces.

The deceased civilian was identified as Firdous Ahmad of Begumbagh, Kakapora.

He  was killed by security forces during clashes in Hakripora village where the encounter broke out.

However, police said that he was killed in “cross firing.”

Meanwhile, students from different schools including SP Higher Secondary School (HSS) assembled on MA road and shouted anti-India and pro-freedom slogans.

The students tried to march on streets but the police deployed in large numbers fired tear smoke shells and thwarted the students march triggering clashes in the area.

The students including girl students then threw stones at the police which Police retaliated by bursting teargas shells on protesting students.

Meanwhile, a shutdown prevailed in Regal chowk, residency road of Lal Chowk and its adjoining areas while as vehicular movement was also disrupted.

Later, normal traffic movement and business resumed in the area.

The clashes between students and police spread to Residency Road where students and dozens of youths were watching a few youth throwing stones on police and their vehicles. Police fired few teargas canisters to disperse the protesters.

In wake of the protest and clashes, authorities ordered for closure of all colleges and schools in Kashmir while as private schools sent messages to the parents to take their wards to their home. The class work was suspended in colleges and most of the schools in the first half.

Later, the divisional administration extended the closure of schools and colleges for Wednesday as well.

“All the colleges and schools of Kashmir valley are hereby closed for today on 02-08-2017 as a precautionary measure,” reads the order issued by Divisional Commissioner Baseer Ahmed Khan.

Also the authorities have decided to impose restrictions in the areas falling under jurisdiction of Khanyar, Rainwari, Mr Gunj, Nowhatta, Safa kadal Police stations.

Student protests also rocked Kashmir University (KU) in afternoon against the militant and civilian killings.

Witnesses said hundreds of students marched through the varsity amid pro-Pakistan, Pro-Dujana and anti-India slogans.

The students of Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) also boycotted their class work after their sit in protest was foiled by Police on national highway. Students said police used heavy tear smoke shells to foil the sit in protests.

Students also clashed with police in Government Degree College (GDC) Bemina, Amar Singh (AS) college, GDC Handwara, GDC Kulgam and GDC Pulwama

Witnesses said the students staged a protest outside AS College and pelted the forces with stones during the protest.

“The forces responded by firing teargas shells on them,” eyewitnesses said.

Students from GDC Handwara also clashed with government forces in Handwara area of Kupwara district to protest against the civilian and militant killings. A shutdown prevailed in the market after clashes erupted in the town.

Students from GDC Kulgam also staged protest against the killing of top LeT commander Abu Dujana, boycotted their classes and staged massive protests. The students were shouting slogans in favour of Abu Dujana.

Meanwhile, protests and clashes also erupted in Rajouri Kadal, Saraf Kadal, Nowgam, Kanipora area of old Srinagar wherein youth block roads amid pro-Dujana slogans.

Meanwhile, according to doctors most of the injured have firearm and pellet injuries. However, JK Police said that 12 injuries have been reported during the day.

As per officials, 26 persons were treated at District hospital Pulwama out of which nine sustained bullets injuries and 16 were hit by pellets.

Meanwhile, a head nurse, identified as Gulzara Begum and an internee student of District hospital Pulwama were injured after army fired some bullets towards the hospital.

“The bullets ricocheted from the walls and hit Gulzara in her back side and the students in her hand. Both of them were treated in the hospital and are stable,” the doctors said.

Guest