Friday became another day of violence and death, as two persons were killed and over 100 injured in police-protestor clashes at different places across the Kashmir Valley. The authorities have slapped curfew at Shopian town.
The police opened fire at Shopian in south Kashmir, injuring 16 people. One of them died while being taken to the district hospital. The police said a mob suddenly started pelted stones at a police and CRPF team in front of a mosque after Friday prayers.
Mukesh Kumar, SDPO, said, “The police, in defence, had to open fire” and 12 policemen and six CRPF personnel were injured in stone pelting.
However, a zonal police headquarters statement in Srinagar said the protestors overpowered a constable, snatched his rifle and fired at him. The constable is now battling for life in Police Hospital. A resident, however, said, “Police opened fire without any provocation.”
In another incident, one person was killed and several others injured in Baramullah. Here also, residents alleged that the police opened fire on protestors, leaving one person dead and six others injured.
They said around 50 other persons were injured in cane-charge and tear-gassing. The police, however, denied having opened fire on protestors.
{{/usCountry}}They said around 50 other persons were injured in cane-charge and tear-gassing. The police, however, denied having opened fire on protestors.
{{/usCountry}}Valley boycotts Jammu traders
Leading Kashmiri traders have decided not to do business with their Jammu counterparts. Several trucks of medicines and other commodities have been sent back from the Valley.
This has come as a retaliation to Jammu traders’ “active” participation in the “economic blockade” of the Valley during the Amarnath land agitation.
In the process, the state may suffer loses between Rs 9,000 crore and Rs 12,000 crore.