Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Apr 28: Amid restrictions in parts of Kupwara district, clashes and protests rocked several areas of Kashmir today after Friday congregational prayers while authorities today released moderate Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq from his house-detention after eight weeks.
In the wake of civilian killing yesterday at Chowkibal at Kupwara, restrictions were imposed by police in areas of Trehgam, Kralpora, Lalpora and Main Town. The restrictions were imposed to thwart outbreak of protests against the killing of the civilian namely Mohammad Yousuf during a protest outside Army camp in Panzgam village of Chowkibal after Fidayeen attack.
Despite restrictions, stone-pelting clashes between protesters and security forces broke out at Trehgam and Kralpora. Police used few teargas shells against the stone-throwers but there was no injury to anyone. The civilian was killed in alleged Army firing as he was part of the protesters who were seeking bodies of Fidayeen attackers.
Meanwhile, authorities today released moderate Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq from his Nigeen residence here and allowed him to offer Friday prayers after eight weeks. He addressed the people at Jama Masjid in Srinagar and said the Kashmir issue “can be resolved either through international laws or tripartite talks between India, Pakistan and Kashmir leadership”.
Shortly after Friday prayers, youth staged protests outside Jama Masjid in Nowhatta area here and pelted stones on security forces. Due to large presence of security personnel, the stone-throwers dispersed without use of force by police. However, a camera person working with a national television was injured after being hit by stone. He was identified as Feroz Wani.
Clashes also broke out at Sopore in North Kashmir’s Baramulla district after Friday prayers and police used teargas shells to disperse the stone-throwers. Intense clashes broke out in Main Town area of Pulwama district after scores of youth resorted to heavy stone-pelting on security forces. The security forces responded by firing tear and pepper gas. Due to heavy clashes, the business activities in the area were affected partially.
The clashes between protesters and security forces also broke out at Hajin Town of North Kashmir’s Bandipora district. Police said barring few incidents of stone-pelting, the situation in Kashmir remained peaceful.
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