Protests, clashes rock Pampore

Massive protests kept Pampore town and its adjacent localities on the boil on Monday while the encounter at Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI) in Sempora area was underway. At least half a dozen people were reportedly injured during the day-long clashes.

Although the youth in adjoining areas had started protesting since late Saturday evening when the gunfight started, clashes spread and intensified on Monday as people in large numbers engaged police and paramilitary CRPF personnel in pitched battles.

Some of the protesters repeatedly tried to march towards EDI complex where the militants were holed up.

According to eyewitnesses, massive protests were witnessed in Kadlabal, Namlabal, Drangbal and Frestabal areas of Pampore town. “The protesters engaged policemen throughout the day with stone pelting,” a local resident told .

He said some youth used public address systems of local mosques to raise pro-freedom and anti-India slogans besides playing songs of freedom and martyrdom.

Five to six people were injured during the clashes in Pampore town. “Two of them suffered grievous injuries. One had a pellet injury in his eye and another in his hand. They were shifted to Srinagar. Others were treated here,” Medical Superintendent of the Pampore Sub-District Hospital, Dr Saba told .

Clashes were also reported from several villages located across river Jhelum from EDI including Zinpora, Shaliun and Seer Bagh.

Men, women and children were seen on the streets. While men raised slogans, women assembled along river banks and sang songs and lullabies for the militants holed up inside EDI building.

Police resorted to aerial firing and used tear smoke shells to quell the protests. Sources said several people were injured in these areas as well.

The clashes intensified as soon as the news about the death of the militants started doing rounds in the area. Hundreds of people marched on to the streets and clashed with the forces.