Baramulla, Feb 08: Police fired several rounds in the air and also burst teargas shells to disperse violent mob at Bandipora protesting against the death of five people who were working with security forces as labourers. Official sources said the trouble started when hundreds of people, mostly women and children, from Arigam and adjoining villages carrying the bodies of five villagers, attacked the Bandipora Police Station.

The demonstrators, shouting slogans against security forces, hurled stones on police and also set on fire the vehicle of a police officer.

Police fired several rounds in the air and also burst teargas shells to disperse the demonstrators. A villager told over phone that repeated announcements were made that curfew has been imposed in the town to restore normalcy.

However, situation was still tense though people were seen moving in the area. A large number of security personnel could also be seen deployed in the town.

The demonstrators alleged that police today handed over the bodies of five people who were working as labourers with the security forces.

They alleged that the labourers were killed by the security forces after three of their personnel were killed in a militant attack in Bandipora area recently. Security forces claimed that they killed five militants in the encounter. The villagers said that their agitation will continue till the security force personnel allegedly responsible for their death will be brought to book.

Bureau Report