Shutdown, clashes continue in Kupwara against Mannan, aide’s killing

Anti-poll protests in Srinagar amid strike in poll bound areas

5 Dariya News

Srinagar 13-Oct-2018

At least ten people on Saturday were injured in clashes in north Kashmir’s Kupwara, while anti-poll protests also erupted in poll bound areas of Srinagar and other parts, where a complete shutdown called by joint resistance leadership (JRL) against the conduct of elections brought life to a standstill.Reports reaching news gathering agency Global News Service said that in north Kashmir’s Kupwara, amidst a complete shutdown, violent protests continued for the third straight day against the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Mannan Bashir Wani and his associate by government forces in an encounter on Thursday.Government forces burst tear smoke shells in Nathnusa after angry protesters hurled rocks at them, eyewitnesses told GNS.They said four people were injured in the clashes that continued for several hours.Angry protesters were also met with force in Lalpora, Tikipora, Sogam, Badibera, Cherkoot, Khumriyal and other parts of the frontier district. At least six people, witnesses said were injured in the ding-dong battles that continued till late evening.Here in Srinagar, violent protests broke out this evening when youth pelted stones on CRPF troopers and policemen.Government forces burst tear gas canisters at Noorbagh, Safa Kadal, Eidgah, Maharaj Gunj, Rajouri Kadal, Zaldagar anad other areas after failing to chase away the anti-poll protesters with baton charge. A shutdown was also observed in parts of old city and uptown where third phase of municipal polls were held today under stringent security measures. Restrictions were imposed in parts of Old City where government forces had blocked roads, lanes and by lanes with razor wire and armoured vehicles.Shops, offices and business establishments also remained closed in poll bound areas of Hajin in north Kashmir and Awantipora and Tral towns of south Kashmir in response to the call given by the joint resistance leadership (JRL). (GNS)