April 30, 2026 05:06 pm (IST)
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Masarat arrest: Violent clashes erupt in Kashmir, scores injured
Srinagar, Apr 17 (IBNS): Violent clashes erupted between protesters and police in Kashmir on Friday, after days of unrest in the Valley over the killing of a youth by the army and a crackdown by authorities on separatist leaders.
At least 15 people were injured as violent protests rocked parts of old city against the killings in Tral with police resorting to heavy teargas shelling while angry youth torched the Tricolor inside the compound of Jamia Masjid, witnesses and officials said.
Witnesses said hundreds of people soon after offering Friday congregational prayers assembled in the compound of the Jamia Masjid and staged strong pro-freedom and anti-India protests. The protesters, who were carrying placards, raised slogans in favour of Islam and freedom.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Chairman of Hurriyat Conference (M) joined the protesters and addressed them.
The Hurriyat chairman condemned the killing of two youth in Tral and demanded that the ‘black laws’ should be repealed from the State.
Reports said that after Mirwaiz left the spot, scores of youth shouting anti-India slogans tried blocking the road but police and paramilitary men who were deployed additionally resorted to tear smoke shells triggering clashes.
Some youth torched the Tricolour and raised pro-Pakistan slogans. Several women protesters also attended the protest rally.
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Police Media Center released a statement in the evening and said situation remained by and large peaceful across the valley with the exception of stray incidents of stone pelting reported from Nowhatta, and its adjoining areas in Srinagar and in Tral town.
Three civilians and 21 policemen including a SHO sustained minor injuries, police spokesperson said.
Earlier, protesters were claiming that Masarat's arrest is unlawful.
Masarat Alam was arrested for waving the Pakistan flag to greet Hurriyat leader Sayed Ali Shah Geelani at a rally on Wednesday.
He has been taken to an interrogation centre and will be produced before a magistrate.
Geelani has also been placed under house arrest. The two leaders were slated to hold a rally in Tral to protest against the death of a youth in a recent encounter.
(Reporting by Saleem Iqbal Qadri)
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