KL Report
SRINAGAR
Complete shutdown was observed in North Kashmir’s Pattan town against the killings of two Hizb militants for the second consecutive day. Meanwhile, authorities imposed undeclared curfew to thwart any protest in the restive area of Palhalan.
Reports said that police and CRPF personnel used dozens of tear smoke shells to disperse the agitated youth who resorted to heavy stone-pelting in Palhalan area soon after the deployment of police and Para-military troopers was withdrawn from the area.
Locals alleged that police used excessive force to quell the protests, the allegation denied by police. Eyewitnesses told CNS that as the evening approached, police and Para-military troopers started moving to their respective stations. Scores of youth intercepted them and attacked the deployment with stones.
During the clashes, one youth identified as Ajaz Ahmed son of Nazir Ahmed was injured who was referred to a hospital in Srinagar. Eyewitnesses said that Ajaz was not the part of protests and was on his way to his home.
All the shops and business establishments remained shut and transport was off the roads on Thursday. Large contingent of police and CRPF personnel with riot gears were deployed in Pattan area to thwart any protest. Police used barricades and concertina wire to stop youth from pelting stones.
Palhalan area of Pattan reeled under strict restrictions. People were asked to stay indoors and police and CRPF men were seen patrolling the area whole day.
A police official told CNS that situation in town was under control. Pertinently, two Hizb militants were killed by Army on Tuesday night in Goshbug area of Pattan.