Protests, Clashes at several areas across Kashmir, scores injured; Internet services snapped

Spontaneous clashes erupted in several parts of Kashmir after the news of killing of top militant Sabzar Ahmad Bhat broke out following an encounter in Saimu village of Tral on Saturday.

Initially several people received injuries during the clashes at encounter site in Saimu village in Tral Tehsil in southern Kashmir.

Block Medical Officer at Tral Hospital told Kashmir Post that the hospital has received five injuries so far. “They have received minor injuries,” he said. Later, clashes were reported at several spots across Kashmir.

As per latest reports clashes were reported in Rathsuna from Pulwama, parts of Shopian, Islamabad, Srinagar, Sopore and Kupwara.

In Mattan Area of Islamabad a student identified as Sameer Ahmad studying in Class 12th , as per local sources, believed to be critically injured. “He received injury in head in forces action during the clashes.” He has been shifted to Srinagar Hospital.

Local Correspondent reports from Shopian said that at two persons have received pellet injuries in eye. They were shifted to Srinagar’s SMHS Hospital.”A youth fractured his leg while he jumped from a bank building while he police was chasing him.”

Reports said clashes were reported from Sopore as well. Students of Boys higher Secondary staged protest demonstration. Sources said police has arrested some students as well.

Clashes also erupted in Pulwama town. Sources said that several people received injuries in the clashes.

Intense clashes were reported in several parts of Pampore town along Srinagar-Jammu Highway. “The traffic at the moment on highway is sparse,” a local from Pampore said.

In Kupwara chaos erupted as news of Sabzar’s killing spread in the town. Eyewitnesses said that police were chasing youth who attempted to protest. They said people were seen running to safety.

The news of killings triggered shutdown in Trehgamm and Kralpora villages of Kupwara. Sources said minor clashes erupted in Kralpora which affected the movement of traffic. Employees who were on way to their respective offices could not reach their office due to tense situation in the market.

In Srinagar protests erupted in old city areas after the news of Sabzar’s killing broke out. Youth assembled and chanted pro-freedom slogans. Minor clashes also occurred at Lal chowks Red-Cross Road. Youth pelted stones towards the banker at Srinagar’s Telegraph office. A contingent of police swung into action and chased them away. Following the clashes, traffic thinned on roads and Shopkeepers downed their Shutters.

The overall situation in valley is critical.

Meanwhile, Internet services were suspended in Kashmir valley on Saturday to prevent protests against the killing of top Hizb commander Sabzar Bhat in an encounter with government forces in Tral area of Pulwama district in south Kashmir.
The suspension of the Internet came a day after the state government lifted a month-long ban on at least 22 social networking websites.
A senior police official said that the ban was invoked to contain the spread of “rumours” over the Internet.
Reports said that the broadband services on the government-owned BSNL have also been affected by the ban in some areas of south Kashmir.

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