At least eight persons were injured in clashes which erupted in Samboora area of Pulwama district in south Kashmir on Friday after government forces launched a search operation and stopped vehicular movement. Witnesses said that forces cordoned off Samboora area and launched a massive search operation in Galander area.They said that the forces apparently fearing a militant attack stopped scores of vehicles on the highway, triggering anger among the locals who took to streets to protest against the “unnecessary harassment”.Forces, they said, resorted to aerial firing and teargas shelling on the protesters.At least eight persons have been injured in the clashes.“Two injured were shifted to SMHS hospital in Srinagar for advanced treatment,” said a doctor Reports said that clashes spread over to Kakapora area of the district.Locals identified the injured as Jan Muhammad Ganaie, Shoib Bashir and Abdul Rouf.SP Awantipora Zahid Hussain said that people pelted stones on forces who were withdrawing after a search operation. "Three people have sustained injuries. Two were accidentally hit by bullets. They are stable.”