3 civilians killed in clashes between protesters and security forces in Kashmir

Three civilians were killed and 130 injured in clashes between protesters and security forces throughout Kashmir on Friday, as authorities imposed curfew to foil the separatists’ Hazratbal march. A middle-aged man was killed in the firing by security forces in Budgam in central Kashmir. Deputy Commissioner Altaf Ahmed confirmed the death and said more than 20 persons have been injured in the district. 

Another youth from Beerwah area in the same district, injured during the clashes, was brought dead to SMHS Hospital here in the evening, sources said. Doctors said he had received gunshot wounds to his head and that led to his death. The third death was reported from Sopore. With this, the number of deceased in the ongoing clashes that broke out after the encounter killing of Hizb-ul-Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani rose to 55, including the security personnel who lost their lives .

Reports said violent clashes between protesters and security personnel broke out throughout the Valley after the Friday congregation prayers.  Defying the curfew, young protesters



fought with security personnel in which dozens of them were injured.

More than 50 people were injured in the clashes in north Kashmir’s Sopore, which remained relatively calm during the month-long turmoil. Eyewitnesses reported seeing ambulances hustling towards the hospital in the last three hours. “Ambulance sirens are shrieking everywhere and people are on the streets,” an eyewitness said.

Reports reaching from south Kashmir said at least 60 people were injured in the clashes that erupted in several areas even as curfew continued to remain in force in most of the towns for the 28th consecutive day.

More than 10 civilians and four security personnel were injured in the clashes in the Kangan area of Ganderbal district, reports said. In all, over 80 people, including four women protesters, sustained injuries due to pellets and tear-gas shelling in clashes on Thursday.

Separatists Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Yasin Malik had asked the people to reach Jamia Masjid to pay tributes to the people killed in the recent violence.