Valley observes shutdown

Normal life in Srinagar was affected following a strike call given by separtists and religious organisations against the alleged desecration of Jamia Masjid in Srinagar.

Kashmir valley observed a shutdown on Saturday to protest against the ‘desecration’ by police inside the Jamia Masjid in Srinagar on Friday.  

There were clashes between the youth and armed forces at several areas in the old city and in Maisuma area in Lal Chowk throughout the day. 

Most of the businesses, educational institutions and offices remained closed and the public transport kept off the roads. 

The call for shutdown was given by Hurriyat (M) leader, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, and supported by Tehreek e Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani to protest against the bursting of teargas shells inside the Jamia Masjid in Nowhatta during a protest demonstration on Friday. 

The police said that one of their constables was injured in the clashes on Saturday and according to locals, two youth were seriously wounded in the police action.

The police used teargas shells, pellet guns and stun grenades to fight the protestors. 

Youths pelt stones

PTI reports:

Police said during the strike a group of 20-25 youths started pelting stones on security forces in Nowhatta near Jamia Masjid. The protests then spread to Rajouri Kadal Chowk and Saraf Kadal areas of the city. Clashes were also reported from Kawdara area.