KL Report
SRINAGAR
Days after the killing of Shahgund youth in Police firing violent clashes broke out in Hajin and its adjoining areas on Tuesday after locals accused forces of damaging their houses and thrashing men, women and children. At least 25 persons were injured during the clashes while police and CRPF used scores of tear-smoke shells to disperse the protestors.
Reports said that locals of Mir Mohalla, Par Mohalla, Parrey Mohalla and Dangar Mohalla in Hajin town alleged that police and CRPF personnel forcibly entered into scores of houses and ransacked their belongings. The locals said that the forces smashed the windowpanes and beat the inmates to pulp.
“The men in uniform beat even children and women and accused and abused them,” one of the residents of Mir Mohalla said.
Eyewitnesses said that hundreds of men, women and youth came on roads in Hajin and resorted to stone-pelting. The protestors were demanding stern action against the Forces personnel for damaging their property and beating inmates without any provocation.
Locals alleged that the police and CRPF personnel used pellet guns freely, an allegation denied by the police. Reports said that the whole area of Hajin was on boil while the continuous and violent clashes between the people and forces triggered panic in the town.
Pitched battles of stone-pelting were fought between police and people at different places of Hajin including Sadarkot Chek, Mir Mohalla and Dangar Mohalla. Some of the injured persons were identified as Haji Abdul Samad Parrey, Muhammad Shaban Parray, Ishtiyaq Ahmed Lone, Naseer Ahmed Lone, Noor Muhammad Mir and Umar Manzoor.
A police official said that some “miscreants” are the continuous source of nuisance and disruption of peace in the area who go and and instigate the people. He however admitted that violent clashes between police and people occurred in the area.
Meanwhile, curfew was relaxed in different parts of Bandipora town for several hours during which situation remained peaceful. (CNS)
