Clashes erupt in Pulwama

SRINAGAR: Clashes erupted between police and demonstrators, who were demanding body of one of the five slain militants killed in an encounter near the Line of Control (LoC) at Tangdhar sector in north Kashmir on May 25.

Meanwhile, business and other activities remained crippled in main Pulwama town and adjoining areas for the second day on Tuesday.

Hundreds of people, mostly youth, again hit the streets on Tuesday, demanding that the body of Mudasir Ahmad Bhat, who was among the five militants killed, when security forces foiled an infiltration bid from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) at Eagle post of Tangdhar sector in the frontier district of Kupwara on May 25.

The demonstrators alleged that the authorities were delaying handing over the body to the family members, who have identified Mudasir.The demonstrators clashed with the security forces and state police personnel deployed in the area.

Security forces burst teargas shells and also fired pellets, official sources said, adding that several



people were injured in the clashes.

One of the protestors received pellet injuries and was rushed to the hospital. The clashes were going on when the reports last came in.

Shops and business establishments remained closed and traffic was off the roads in Pulwama town and adjoining areas.Work in government offices and banks was also affected though there was no strike call by any separatist organisation.

Family members of Mudasir who had gone to Tangdhar, claimed that they have identified him from the photographs taken on the spot before their burial there.

Similarly, uncle of another slain Sheraz Ahmad Sheikh, a resident of Yaripora Kulgam, said the family identified their kin from the photographs.

Sources said family members of Sheikh had also gone to Tanghdar on Tuesday.

However, authorities said the due course of law will be followed before the bodies will be exhumed and DNA test is done to establish their identity.