Protests continued in twin districts of Kulgam and Anantnag in South Kashmir on Sunday against the killing of a 15-year bystander allegedly at the hands of paramilitary forces when anti-Israel protests were held at Khudwani village of the region on Saturday.
Six persons including two policemen were wounded in fresh clashes even as a complete shutdown was observed in the two districts in response to a call by hardline separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani.The death took place on Saturday afternoon when police and paramilitary CRPF used mob dispersal methods to chase away protesters in Khudwani and Qaimoh villages where anti-Israel protests were held over the ongoing situation in Gaza.
Massive protests have been held in Kashmir Valley over the past 10 days against the emerging situation in Gaza. The educational institutions were becoming the epicentres of protests, which took anti-India and anti-Government turn at most of the places.
However, the authorities announced 15-day summer break in schools, colleges and the Kashmir University, apparently to tide over the situation. Though the intensity and frequency of protests lessened but the separatists continued to appeal for more protests and processions to exhibit solidarity with the Palestinians.
A shutdown was observed across the valley on Thursday followed by protests after Friday's congregational prayers. On Friday, police fired pallet guns in Kaimoh area injuring several protesters, which triggered a chain reaction in the area.
locals said that 15-year-old Suhail Ahmad Mir was killed when paramilitary CRPF fired teargas shells and automatic weapons. The CRPF has denied involvement in the killing but police have registered a case and started enquiring into the circumstances leading to Mir's death. Sources said that protests resumed in the area on Sunday. Four persons were injured by pallets when police chased away a stone-throwing mob.
Two policeman has been wounded in stone-pelting.
Contingents of police and paramilitary have been deployed in entire south Kashmir to prevent escalation of situation. "Situation in Qaimoh and Kulgam town remained under control, however, an incident of stone pelting was reported at Qaimoh. Four persons including two policemen received minor injuries in the pelting incident. All the injured were discharged from the hospital after being given first aid", a police spokesman said.