The Hindu : Front Page : Violent protests continue in Srinagar

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Wednesday, Jun 25, 2008
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Violent protests continue in Srinagar

Shujaat Bukhari

Death of firing victim triggers clashes, over 60 injured, city tense throughout the day

Amarnath yatra suspended through Baltal route
Strike in most parts of Srinagar, demonstrations in Ganderbal district

— Photo: AP

QUELLING PROTESTS: A policeman firing a teargas shell during a protest against the transfer of forest land to the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board, in Srinagar on Tuesday. Hundreds of people attacked a police post protesting against the death of a local resident in police firing during Monday’s protests.

SRINAGAR: The police opened fire in the air as Srinagar city witnessed violent protests for the second consecutive day on Tuesday against the transfer of forest land to the Amarnath Shrine Board.

Most parts of the city observed a general strike. The clashes left over 60 people injured, including two police officials. A number of vehicles were damaged in stone-throwing and the situation remained tense throughout the day.

Demonstrations were held in the neighbouring Ganderbal district also and the road to Baltal, base camp of the Amarnath Yatra, was closed, forcing authorities to suspend the pilgrimage on this route.

The death of Feroz Ahmad, who succumbed to his bullet injuries during Monday’s protests, sparked violent clashes in most parts of the town.

On Monday, Central Reserve Police Force personnel opened fire on the protesters. Feroz died on Monday night at the Soura Medical Institute. Three others, who received gunshot wounds, are being treated and one of them is reportedly in a critical condition.

Thousands of people led by Hurriyat Conference leader Ashraf Sehrai took part in the funeral of Feroz. They shouted slogans demanding withdrawal of the land allotment order. The agitators demolished two bunkers of security forces at Nawab Bazar.

Groups threw stones at the police at Nowhatta, Gojwara, Hawal, Lal Bazar, Soura, Chotta Bazar, Karan Nagar, Safa Kadal, and Maisuma. They damaged a number of vehicles and forced people to remain indoors. Doctors who had to cross the downtown to reach the Soura Medical Institute were stopped. The police used teargas shells and resorted to a lathi charge. They later opened fire in the air to quell the demonstrators.

Unofficial sources said that over 100 people, including two senior police officials, sustained injuries. However, police sources said the number was not more than 60.

House arrest

The police put senior Hurriyat leaders Syed Ali Geelani, Shabir Shah and Massarat Alam under house arrest and deployed police outside their homes. Leader of the Democratic Political Movement Firdous Shah was arrested.

The Hurriyat Conference has condemned the police action. Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front faction headed by Mohammad Salim Nanaji has called a strike for Friday.

The Joint Action Committee set up by the Hurriyat Conference to pursue the land issue announced that it would hold a series of protests from Wednesday.

With the Srinagar-Sonamarg road blocked at Ganderbal, the authorities suspended the Amarnath pilgrimage through the Baltal base camp. Officials said the decision was taken due to weather.

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