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NC supporters, separatists clash

SRINAGAR: At least 15 people were injured in clashes between the supporters of the National Conference and separatist parties at the martyrs’ graveyard here on Sunday, observed as Martyrs’ Day.

Leaders from both the NC and the People’s Democratic Party had to face a hostile crowd amid tight security at the graveyard.

The day was observed to pay tributes to 22 people who were martyred by the then Dogra ruler on July 13, 1931.

Witnesses said the trouble began when PDP president Mehbooba Mufti arrived at the graveyard in the compound of the shrine of Hazrat Naqashband Sahib here.

A group of people shouted slogans against the PDP and its president. They forced the leaders to leave, though after offering prayers. Security guards accompanying Ms. Mehbooba whisked her away, but protesters continued to shout slogans.

Later NC president Omar Abdullah accompanied by supporters reached the spot and faced a similar situation. They pelted stones on NC leaders and NC supporters retaliated. Tension continued for some time. Police resorted to a lathi charge and fired some shots in the air. Those who had come from villages to participate in the NC rally bore the brunt. They were beaten up in the bylanes near Khanyar Chowk. However, Mr. Abdullah managed to speak for a few minutes and he came down heavily on separatists.

The former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad was the first to reach the graveyard early in the morning.

Chairman of the Hurriyat Conference Mirwaiz Umar Farooq addressed a gathering at the graveyard. Leader of another Hurriyat faction Syed Ali Geelani paid floral tributes to the martyrs.

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