Protests and clashes erupted in different parts of Kashmir Valley on Friday. Joint Resistance Leadership comprising Syed Ali Geelani, Yasin Malik and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq had called for peaceful protests after congregational weekly prayers to protest the killings and excesses.Clashes erupted in Nowhatta while peaceful protests were held at Maisuma and Hyderpora in Srinagar city.Jammu and Kashmir Liberation (JKLF) staged a protest to denounce “killing spree” in Kashmir, especially in the southern districts of the Valley. Scores of JKLF leaders and activists took out a protest rally in Maisuma area of Srinagar after Friday prayers against the killings and alleged forces high-handedness.Clashes erupted in Nowhatta area of Srinagar city where youth pelted stones on Government Forces who retaliated with tear-smoke shells. Friday prayers were allowed at historic Jamia Masjid, however, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq continued to remain under house arrest.
Reports from Sopore said that scores of youth took to streets near Markazi Jamia Masjid Sopore and raised pro-freedom slogans as they staged protests against the killing of a teenager in pellet firing by government forces in Tral area of Pulwama district earlier this week.The protesters pelted forces deployed at Main Bazaar and Main Chowk with stones who responded by firing teargas shells. Shopkeepers lowered their shutters and clashes spread in the area.Clashes erupted in the Noorpora village of Tral town in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district after Government forces launched a cordon-and-search-operation.Reports said that people took to streets and staged protests as forces launched the operation in the native village of Ansar Ghawatul Hind chief Zakir Musa. Clashes also erupted in Batagund and Nowdal villages of Tral after Friday prayers. Government Forces used tear-smoke shells to disperse the protesters.A police official said that situation remained peaceful across Valley on Friday. (CNS)