The Hindu : Front Page : CRPF opens fire on Srinagar protesters

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Tuesday, Jun 24, 2008
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CRPF opens fire on Srinagar protesters

Shujaat Bukhari

Hurriyat leaders oppose transfer of forest land

— Photo: Nissar Ahmad

Police tackling supporters of Syed Ali Shah Geelani, chairman of the hardline faction of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, during a protest in Srinagar on Monday.

SRINAGAR: At least one person was injured here on Monday when Central Reserve Police Force personnel opened fire on a group opposing transfer of 40 hectares of forest land to Shri Amarnath Shrine Board. However, eyewitnesses said three people sustained bullet injuries and were in a critical condition.

The demonstrations were held jointly by both factions of the Hurriyat Conference.

The incident triggered tension in the Nowhatta area and the police and paramilitary forces were deployed there.

Senior Superintendent of Police (Srinagar) S.A. Mujtaba told The Hindu that only one person, Fayaz Ahmad Rah, was injured in the firing. “Some youths threw stones at the CRPF personnel and in panic they opened fire.” He said the situation was under control.

Hurriyat leaders arrested

Earlier in the day, over two dozen people were injured as the police resorted to a lathi charge and burst teargas shells and in pitched battles, which continued at many places.

An equal number, including some senior Hurriyat leaders, were arrested. Senior Hurriyat leader Ghulam Nabi Sumji was arrested when he was headed for a local shrine to stage a protest. Mushtaqul Islam of the Muslim League was also arrested. Hurriyat leaders Shabir Ahmad Shah, Ashraf Sehrai, Naeem Khan and Javed Mir were put under house arrest.

‘Revoke order’

However, Hurriyat chairman Syed Ali Geelani gave the police the slip and led a protest at Chota Bazar. He demanded that the land transfer order be revoked to prevent the situation from deteriorating.

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