Police’s action on anti-poll rally sparks clashes

Srinagar, April 27, 2014 (PPI-OT): In occupied Kashmir, clashes erupted in several areas of Srinagar after police used force on participants of an anti-election rally organized by the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front in the city. A group of JKLF activists led by Showkat Ahmad Bakshi took out a torch procession from Bahaud-Din Sahab in Srinagar and marched towards Nowhatta Chowk.

Amid pro-freedom and anti-elections slogans, the procession was joined by scores of people. However, a large contingent of police intercepted the procession near Nowhatta and bundled several leaders including Showkat Bakshi and Ghulam Rasool Hazari into an armoured vehicle triggering clashes.

Police rushed reinforcements to the area. Later, the JKLF activists regrouped and marched in a procession towards Bohri Kadal through Mallarata. Police again swung into action and cane-charged the participants leading to pitched battles at Bohri Kadal and adjoining areas.

A senior police officer confirmed detaining at least two JKLF leaders. Clashes were also reported at various places after the killing of three Kashmiri youth in Shopian. People from the adjoining villages of took to streets and raised pro-freedom slogans.

Reports informed that Pulwama witnessed clashes at several places with the troops as one of the martyred youth is from the area. Youth in Pulwama fought pitched battles with the troops with the protesters taking to streets against the killing of Mohammad Asif Wani during a 17 hour gun battle. Reports maintained that complete shutdown was observed at Drubgam.

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