A youth was killed when the Army fired at protesters in Baramulla district of north Kashmir on Friday, the 77th day of shut-down and protests in the Valley. With this, the death toll in the unrest has gone up to 87.
Waseem Ahmad Lone, 22, was brought to the Baramulla hospital with bullet injuries. Residents alleged that the youth was injured when an Army patrol opened fire in a lane where some protesters had gathered. Police said the Army convoy was stoned, but the residents alleged that the firing was unprovoked, “aimed at killing civilians.” The Army has not issued any statement.
Hurriyat chairman Syed Ali Geelani said: “The hallow and tall claims of restraint by security forces are meant to fool the people. Lone’s killing shows the lust for blood has not subsided yet.”
Clashes after prayersDespite restrictions imposed on large parts of the Valley and the ban on congregational prayers at the historic Jamia Masjid in, protesters clashed with the security forces in Srinagar and north and south Kashmir after Friday prayers.
They poured into the streets of Dalgate and Barzulla areas in Srinagar. Stone-throwing occurred in the old city areas.
Clashes were reported from parts of Pulwama, Anantnag, Shopian, Kulgam, Ganderbal and Bandipora districts. The forces used tear-gas and pellet-guns to disperse the protesters. Pakistani flags were flashed during the protests.
Over 15 vehicles were damaged at Prichoo in Pulwama when some youths attacked drivers for violating the shut-down call.
