Srinagar: A snap strike hit life in parts
of the old city this afternoon as hundreds of people protested
against the alleged blasphemous depiction of the holy city of
Madina on some products but police rejected their claim as
based on "rumours".
People in Nowhatta area of old city came out on the roads
as word spread about the alleged blasphemy.
Protesters went around several areas in the city and
forced shopkeepers to pull down their shutters and within
minutes the area wore a deserted look, the sources said.
As the news spread like wild fire, people in other areas
came out of their houses and started marching towards Lal
Chowk but were intercepted by police at several places on the
way especially at Nowpora, where they used lathis and fired
teargas shells to disperse the agitated crowds.
The protesters hurled stones on police leading to clashes
between them.
A police spokesman said some vested interests have spread
rumours about the alleged blasphemous act.
However, he said that they were investigating the matter
and had asked people to remain calm.
PTI
