Kashmir remained tense for 29th consecutive day on Saturday with street protests and rallies showing no signs of dying down despite the security forces’ clampdown and curfew in parts of the Valley.
A major clash erupted at Anantnag’s Chee village when the police foiled a rally by residents. Seven women were among scores injured in the clashes.
Local people alleged that the police used pellet guns against the women and fired “pellets, tear gas shells and chilly grenades inside the district hospital in Anantnag”.
Fierce clashes were also reported from Pulwama, Shopian and Bandipora districts where locals clashed with the security personnel, leaving many injured.
The death of three youths in firing by security forces on Friday fuelled more protests in north and central Kashmir. Hundreds of people defied restrictions to participate in the last rites of two of the young men in Budgam district.
Curfew in more towns
A curfew was imposed in all four major towns of Budgam district. Anti-India slogans were raised by people who attended the funeral prayers of the third youth, a Class 12 student, who died in firing in Sopore. He was laid to rest in his village in the Wagoora area.
Baraulla’s Pattan area was also placed under curfew after four people sustained pellet injuries.
Several protesters were also injured in Srinagar's Natipora area in clashes in the evening.
