Violent protests in Kashmir against Budgam deaths

Srinagar: Violent protests took place at some places in Kashmir on Friday against the deaths of three youths in firing by security forces near an encounter site even as several separatist leaders were placed under house arrest.

Protesters pelted stones at security personnel at Main Chowk Sopore in Baramulla district, Maisuma and Parimpora in Srinagar, Muran Chowk, Billo-Rajpora and Preechoo in Pulwama district, a police official said.

He said police fired tear smoke shells and resorted to baton charge to chase away the protesters.

While police officials said no one was injured in the clashes, eyewitnesses claimed several protesters were hurt in police action.

A group of miscreants pelted stones towards railway track in Wanabal area on the outskirts of the city, forcing suspension of train services.

Peaceful protests were held against the deaths of the three youths at several places including Jamia Masjid in old city, the police official said.

Separatist groups had called for peaceful protests after Friday prayers against the incident that took place at Chadoora in Budgam district on Tuesday.

However, as a precautionary measure authorities placed top separatist leaders including Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq under house arrest to prevent them from leading any protests.

Three persons were killed in firing by security forces following stone-pelting by hundreds of youths near the site of a militant encounter in Chadoora.