One Dead as Police Fire at Protesters in Narbal in Jammu and Kashmir

Mangalore Today News Network

Srinagar, April 18, 2015: One person has died after police reportedly opened fire at protesters in Narbal in Jammu and Kashmir. At least 24 people were injured last evening in clashes between the police and protesters following the arrest of separatist leader Masarat Alam.

 

Geelani has called for a complete bandh to protest Alam’s arrest and the killing of two youths in an Army operation in Tral earlier this week.

Meanwhile, reacting to the developments Union Minister and BJP leader Jitendra Singh said the state government is capable of dealing with any incident and assured the people not to get worried.

Another BJP leader GVL Narasimha Rao said that both Centre and state are keeping a strong vigil on the developments in J&K, and any attempt by separatist organisations to take law and into their hands. will be dealt with in strict possible manner.

The 45-year-old hardliner was arrested from his home in Habbakadal area of the city Friday morning, apparently after the Centre pushed for it.

Police late on Friday added section 121A (waging war against the country) and section 124 (sedition) to FIR lodged against hardliner Alam.

A court on Friday night remanded separatist leader Alam, arrested over raising of pro-Pakistan slogans and hoisting Pakistan flags at a rally, to seven-day police custody by a court in Budgam.

Protests broke out in the state capital on Friday after Alam was arrested by the Jammu and Kashmir Police.

The police had to use teargas and resort to lathicharge to disperse the crowd, which was heading for a march in Tral town of Pulwama district.

The Nowhatta area of Jammu and Kashmir capital resembled a battle zone as masked protesters burnt the tricolour and clashed with security forces resulting in injuries to about a dozen people, including two policemen, official sources said.

The protesters were also seen hurling stones at the police which retaliated, bursting teargas shells and using force to disperse the violent crowds.

As the Centre came under attack for the situation in the state ruled by PDP-BJP coalition, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh asserted India’s unity and integrity were "inviolable" and "nobody will be allowed to break it".

 

Courtesy: Zeenew