Police on Friday fired teargas shells and used batons on groups of youths who allegedly indulged in stone-pelting on the law enforcing personnel near Jamia Masjid and adjoining localities here.
The clashes in Nowhatta, Saraf Kadal, Rajouri Kadal, Kawdara and Gojwara localities of the city erupted shortly after congregational Friday prayers and continued for several hours, the officials said.
They, however, said there was no causality in the clashes but normal activities came to a standstill in the area.
Some of the youth also displayed controversial flags and posters during the protest which has become a routine after Friday prayers in the vicinity of the historic Jamia Masjid for the past several years.
Meanwhile, separate protests were held at Khanyar and Lal Chowk here against alleged derogatory remarks made against the community by one Kamlesh Tiwari, who is claimed to be associated with Akhil Bharatiya Hindu Mahasabha. Dozens of people protested and demanded action against Mr. Tiwari.
Mr. Tiwari, who claims to be acting president of ABHM, was arrested in Uttar Pradesh on Thursday for allegedly circulating a paper which had derogatory comments against the community.
