KL NETWORK
SRINAGAR
Intense clashes erupted after a massive pro-freedom rally was held in Goshbugh area of North Kashmir. Goshbugh is a rural area, adjacent to Palhallan, connecting Bandipora and Baramulla districts.
Local reports from Palhallan said that the people of the twin villages had decided to hold a mass Friday congregation in Goshbugh today where Friday prayers were held.
“People in hordes marched to Goshbugh where thousands of people offered congregational Friday prayers,” a local from Palhallan said.
“It was utterly a peaceful rally which started from Goshbugh after Friday prayers and returned to Palhallan,” he said.
The local added that people, around 10000 in numbers, occupied Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road near the main entrance to Palhallan village. “Public Addressing System of a local Masjid was brought and respected people addressed the protestors amid intense pro-freedom, pro-Burhan and anti-India slogans,” he said.
Soon, the local informed, the senior citizens decided to vacate the major communication link between North and rest of Kashmir.
“Announcements were made that people should leave peacefully via Aram Gali,” the local said. “People started moving towards the lane which is the first entrance to Palhallan village from Pattan side.”
The local said that forces had stationed their vehicles far away from the rally on Pattan side. “But when people walked towards Aram Gali, the forces apprehended that they started marching towards Pattan and tear gassing started.”
“People reverted and clashes ensued which are still going on,” he said.
From Sopore town, Correspondent reports said that major Friday congregational prayers were held at some places including Nowpora, New Colony, Warpora, Muslim Peer, Jamia Masjid, Botengoo and Warpora.
“A rally was taken out from Nowpora up to Noorbagh where forces tear gas shelled it,” reports said, “intense stone pelting erupted thereafter.”
“Pellets were used in which at least four persons were injured of which two were shifted to Srinagar,” they said. Two others were hit by pellets in the back.
In Warpora area, the reports added, intense clashes are going on between forces and protestors.
