Student protests continue to swell & spread even as colleges remained shut

Hr Sec institutes to remain closed today

Students took to streets again to protest against the police action at Pulwama degree college in which over 50 students were injured even as the colleges across the valley remained closed for third consecutive day Thursday.
Meanwhile, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Baseer Ahmed Khan said teaching work in all the higher secondary institutions of Kashmir Division will remain suspended on April 21 (Friday) as a precautionary measure. The separatists had called for protests after Friday prayers.
Clashes erupted between students and government forces in Kaloosa area of Bandipora after students held protest demonstrations against the forces’ action at Pulwama college. One women sustained injuries when she was hit by a stone during the clashes.
Eyewitnesses told Kashmir Post that clashes erupted between forces and students of NM Higher Secondary Kaloosa. “CRPF and policemen entered school premises and fired several tear smoke shells when we were peacefully protesting,” a group of students told Kashmir Post.
Students hurled stones at SSP office Bandipora located in close proximity of the school. The clashes continued till afternoon.
Many students also boycotted classes. The protesting students tried to take out rally, but were stopped by police, leading to clashes.
Meanwhile, the protesting students from Ajas Higher Secondary School blocked Srinagar-Bandipora road. They were protesting against the high-handedness of government forces at Pulwama college. They also demanded release of students arrested by police following the incident.
Clashes also erupted between students and forces in Safakadal area of Srinagar, Kangan area of central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, Goshbug Pattan area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district after forces disallowed protesting students to carry out their solidarity protest.
Forces tried to disperse the protesting students by using tear gas canisters. Scores of students including some cops were injured during the ensuing clashes.
In a related development, Kashmir University Students Union (KUSU) has called on student community to resume their classes after a successful display of resistance, unity and valor.
A statement issued by the KUSU said the student reaction to Pulwama raids were exemplary.
“The protests in solidarity with the students assaulted by forces at Pulwama Degree College was not only exemplary but a historic message put across the globe that the struggle of right to self-determination is deep rooted in the conscience of every man, woman and youth of Jammu and Kashmir,” it said adding, “It should be kept in mind that while resuming class work, the students should make resistance against India a way of life and raise voice against the oppression whenever needed or necessary”.

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