Monday, August 25, 2008

Kashmiri protesters defy curfew in Srinagar; one killed

Supporters of Mohammed Yasin Malik
Supporters of Mohammed Yasin Malik, a senior separatist leader, came out on streets defying curfew in Srinagar. (Reuters Photo)

SRINAGAR: One person was killed as security forces opened fire to quell violent protesters at Narbal on the outskirts of Srinagar today while nearly 65 others were injured in clashes elsewhere in curfew-bound Kashmir.

Showkat Ahmad Khanday was shot dead and another youth injured when security forces opened fire to contain stone-pelting protesters at Narbal who came out on roads defying the curfew, official sources said.

Two people have been killed and 105 injured since Sunday when curfew was clamped in all the 10 districts of the Valley to thwart a march by separatists. Yesterday, one person was killed in firing at Dalgate area of the city.

In similar incidents elsewhere in the Valley, as many as 65 persons were injured, the sources said.

At least 24 persons including four security personnel were injured in clashes at Hajan in Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir.

“A group of protesters tried to defy curfew and indulged in violence at Hajan. Four security force personnel received injuries as someone from the mob fired at them,” an official spokesman said.

He said in retaliatory firing and tear gas shelling by security forces, 15 persons were injured.

However, sources said 20 persons were injured in the action including several with bullet injuries.

At least 25 people were injured as security forces opened fire on violent protesters in Choora village on Srinagar Balamulla Highway, the sources said.

Two persons each were injured in action by security forces against protesters at Kupwara district town and Beerwah in Budgam district, they said.

While separatist leaders Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Mirwaiz Umer Farooq were arrested from their residences late Sunday night, JKLF leader Mohammad Yasin Malik was taken into custody on Monday morning as he tried to defy curfew and march towards Lal Chowk, official sources said.

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