J&K on boil, two protestors dead

A woman’s allegation that she was asked to stay overnight at a police station where she had gone to see her husband, who was held for questioning, sparked violent protests by residents in Baramulla town, reports HT Correspondent.

A woman’s allegation that she was asked to stay overnight at a police station where she had gone to see her husband, who was held for questioning, sparked violent protests by residents in Baramulla town, 50 km north of Srinagar, on Monday.

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Two youths were killed after the police fired on protestors. One died on the spot and the other later in hospital.

The Jammu and Kashmir government has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the firing. “The inquiry is to ascertain the reasons for opening fire which has resulted in the death of people,” divisional commissioner Masood Samoon told HT.

Locals and eyewitnesses said protests against the police erupted on Sunday evening after news spread that a woman was asked to spend the night at the police station. She had gone to meet her husband whose brother was alleged to have abducted a girl.

“The woman’s accusation enraged the youths and they came out to protest,” Shahid Ahmad, a Baramulla resident, told HT on the phone.

Curfew has been imposed in the town to prevent protests.