At least 20 civilians were Friday injured during the clashes between youth and forces in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district.According to KNS correspondent, Waseem Majnoon Mir, as soon as the Friday congregation ended in the Markaz Jamia Masjid, the people mostly youth took to streets and staged protests against the police for arresting youth in the locality from past couple of days.The protesters were demanding to release the youth before Eid.Witness said that during the protest, youth pelted stones to police. “Police used tear smoke shells to disperse the youth who were throwing stone on them,” they said.According to KNS correspondent, scores of force personnel and nearly 20 youth sustained injuries during the clashes between youth and forces in several areas including Markazi Jamia Masjid road, main Chowk Kupwara, Meer Mohalla, Malik Mohalla, Ganaie Mohalla, Iqball market and bypass road. “Several youth were also arrested during the clashes in the area,” witnesses said.BMO Kupwara, Dr Fareed told KNS that at least 21 civilians received injuries during the clashes who were treated in the hospital. “All injured civilians are stable,” he said.
Meanwhile, locals alleged that the forces ransacked the window panes of the houses and also damaged the vehicles of the general public.Journalists Association also alleged harassment by police officials, stating that they were thrashed and abused by the police personnel’s.“One among the photojournalist identified as Muhammad Rafiq working with a local daily was injured after he was beaten by the police officials,” they said.Meanwhile, Journalists Association Kupwara condemned thrashing and abusing of Rafiq and appealed DGP and Cm to look into the matter and punish the involved police personnel.Meanwhile, clashes erupted between youth and forces in Nowhatta area of Srinagar city.Soon after the Friday congregation, the youth assembled outside the historic Jamia Masjid and waved Pak flags amid chanting anti-India, pro-freedom slogans.The youth after waving the flags marched towards main Chowk Nowhatta. “Police resorted to tear smoke shells to disperse the youth who were throwing stone on them,” eye-witnesses said.SP Kupwara, Aijaz Ahmad told KNS that no one received injuries during the clashes.He said that barring few stone pelting incidents, the situation remained peaceful. (KNS)