Clashes in Srinagar on Eid, police use tear gas to disperse protesters

Mangalore Today News Network

Srinagar, June 26, 2017 :  Several areas in Jammu and Kashmir, including capital city Srinagar, witnessed violence on the morning of Eid, in which 10 people were reported to have been injured.

Protesters clashed with police outside the Eidgah -- a massive ground located in downtown Srinagar. The Eidgah was one of the areas where the government had put restrictions on Eid prayers. The clashes started in the morning after the locals came and offered namaz. The police were forced to use tear gas on the protesters, who were throwing stones at them. The crowd dispersed after nearly 20 minutes.

An hour-long clash was reported from south Kashmir’s Anantnag town too. A mob had started throwing stones at Janglat Mandi after Eid prayers. Clashes were also reported after Eid prayers in Sopore and Pattan towns of Baramulla district, reported news agency IANS.

The state has witnessed much violence in the run-up to Eid. Last week, a mob of more than 200 people had beaten Mohammad Ayub Pandith, a deputy Superintendent of Police, to death outside the Jama Masjid in Srinagar. The officer -- who was on security duty outside the mosque -- had sent his colleagues home to break their fasts, and was alone at the spot. 

Calling it a shameful incident, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said the police "are showing maximum restraint because they think they are dealing with their own people, but for how long this will continue... It will be difficult if they lose patience."

The Jammu and Kashmir Police have asked its personnel to avoid Eid prayers in public places after the killing of the officer.

"You are advised to instruct the field and subordinate formations that they shall not offer Eid prayers in isolated or general mosques or idgahs," read an advisory. It said police personnel will offer Id prayers in mosques in district police lines in Srinagar or PCR Kashmir.

Courtesy:NDTV