Sporadic clashes in Kashmir; 3 injured; CM reviews situation

Srinagar: Sporadic incidents of clashes between stone-pelting mobs and security forces were reported from a number of places in Kashmir today even as curfew-like restrictions continued for the second day and mobile internet services were suspended in some areas in view of tension.

A policeman and two civilians were injured in violence and clashes in different parts of the Valley.

As tension prevailed in Kashmir which saw death of four civilians since Tuesday in clashes with security forces, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti held a meeting with top police and intelligence officials of the state here to review the situation and directed that no harm should come to civilians while dealing with law and order issues.

Mehbooba, who arrived here from Delhi after a three-day visit, will be camping in the Summer capital of the state to monitor the law and order situation "as long as necessary", official sources said.

In fresh clashes today, a Constable Bilal Ahmad was injured after being hit in the face by a stone hurled by protestors in Magam area of Handwara town, which is about 70 kms from here, a police official said.

The cop was shifted to a hospital here for treatment.

A civilian was also injured earlier at the same place when he was hit by a teargas shell in the left leg, the official said, adding he was admitted to a local hospital where his condition is stated to be stable.

Handwara in Kupwara district is the epicentre of the ongoing unrest that was triggered following allegations of molestation of a college girl on Tuesday.

A cab driver was injured in a stone-pelting incident in Kulgam, the official said.

Reports of stone-pelting were also received from various areas of Srinagar city but no casualties were reported in these incidents, the official added.

The incidents occurred even though curfew-like restrictions continued for the second day in Kupwara town, Kralgund, Handwara, Magam and Langate areas in north Kashmir.

Four civilians, including a woman, died on Tuesday and yesterday in clashes between protesters and security forces in Kupwara district where Handwara falls.

Restrictions also continued in six police station areas of Srinagar city, the official said.

Mobile internet services were also suspended in north Kashmir areas to curb the menace of rumour mongering, the official said.