Protestors clash with security forces in Kashmir

Clashes broke out between protesters and security forces in at least three areas of Kashmir after Friday prayers.

A group of youth started shouting pro-freedom slogans at Nowhatta after prayers ended at the historic Jamia Masjid.

According to reports in local media, the demonstrators were protesting last week’s killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Sabzar Ahmed Bhat by security forces. Bhat was the successor of Burhan Wani, who had been killed by security forces last year.

Security forces deployed to maintain law and order had to use batons and lobbed tear smoke shells to disperse the protestors, leading to clashes between the two sides, a police official said.

The official said the protesters threw stones at security forces.

Also, violence erupted in Sopore town in Baramulla district and Sherbagh area in Anantnag district, the official said.

No casualties were reported in any of these incidents.

With PTI inputs