Kashmir remained tense on Friday following separatists’ call for post-Friday prayers protests against the Kausar Yatra, which the state government halted on Thursday from the Aharbal route in the valley.
Protesters hurled stones in parts of Srinagar, Anantnag and Sopore districts at security forces after prayers.
Hardline Hurriyat chairman Syed Ali Geelani had called for “peaceful protests” on Friday and a valley-wide shutdown on Saturday. Authorities placed separatist leaders, including Geelani, under house arrest.
The government on Thursday halted the first batch of Kashmiri Pandits embarking on the yatra to Kousar Nag which is in the Pir Panchal mountain range, following protests by locals and separatists.
New Delhi-based Pandit organisation All Parties Migrants Co-ordination Committee also condemned the government’s move.
Meanwhile, state home secretary Suresh Kumar Friday said that there is no traditional yatra held at Kausar nag but only a puja.