At least nine persons, including a CRPF deputy commandant, were injured as groups of youth, shouting anti-poll slogans, indulged in stone-pelting at several places in downtown Srinagar on Sunday.
A deputy commandant of CRPF alongwith his driver and two Personnel Security Officers (PSOs) were injured when their vehicle came under stone-pelting at Khawaja Bazar, official sources said.
The vehicle, which was passing through the area, collided with a road side shop and turned turtle after its driver lost control due to stone-pelting by the youth.
The stone-throwing started in the area and its adjoining localities, including Ranger stop, this morning when police stopped people from taking out rallies against "frequent restrictions" on their movement, they said.
Police fired teargas shells and resorted to baton-charge to disperse the protesters, some of whom were also distributing pamphlets prepared by Hardline faction of Hurriyat Conference asking people to boycott the Parliamentary elections.
Five protesters were injured in the clashes which were continuing when last reports came in, they said, adding reinforcements have been rushed to the area to restore law and order.
Most parts of downtown Srinagar remained sealed in view of stringent security measures following a call by separatists to stage protests after Friday prayers.
{{/usCountry}}Most parts of downtown Srinagar remained sealed in view of stringent security measures following a call by separatists to stage protests after Friday prayers.
{{/usCountry}}Shops and business establishments reopened on Saturday in the areas falling under five police stations after remaining closed for the past three days in view of 50-hour strike called by separatists.
Police and paramilitary forces again sealed the areas this morning but withdrew it later in view of large scale protests by the locals.