SP among 5 injured as Shiites hold anti-Saudi protests

Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Jan 3: Day after the execution of a prominent Shi’a cleric in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Shiites in Valley staged protests and clashed with Police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) at several places leaving five persons including a Superintendent of Police (SP) North, Srinagar injured.
Protests broke out at over a dozen places in Kashmir valley against the execution of Ayotullah Nimr-al-Nimr by Saudi regime. The members of Shi’a community staged anti-Saudi protests at city centre Lal Chowk, Rainawari, Zadibal and Saida Kadal here in city and took out rallies.
The anti-Saudi rallies turned violent at Rainawari and Hawal Chowk after police resorted to intense teargas shelling to prevent Shi’a protesters from entering Sunni-dominated neighbourhoods.
They said the Shi’a protesters pelted stones on police at both places, triggering clashes between the two sides. The clashes at Rainawari left two cops including SP North City, Shafqat Hussain injured. The SP was hit by a stone in his head and he was rushed to nearby JLNM Hospital for treatment. The clashes and police teargas shelling continued till evening at both places and three protesters were injured.
Besides, the Shi’a community staged massive protests at other places of the Valley including Gund Hassi Bhat along Srinagar-Narbal Highway, Hartrath in Pattan, Budgam Town, Magam, Gagu Pulwama, Shahu Sath in Kulgam and also at Kargil district.  The protesters raised slogans against the Saudi regime and condemned the execution of the Shi’a cleric who was hanged along 46 other death convicts – most of whom were Al Qaeda ideologues and militants – yesterday.
A police official said they are maintaining a close eye on the situation and would not allow anyone to ignite the sectarian strife in lieu of the ongoing situation. “No one would be allowed to disturb peace and create sectarian tensions. We are monitoring the situation closely and will take every step to maintain peace,” said the official this evening.

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