Srinagar: Supporters of rival factions of Hurriyat Conference on Friday clashed at Sopore town in north Kashmir`s Baramulla district, pelting stones and hurling `kangris` at each other, official sources said. The supporters of the two factions clashed as Chairman of the moderate faction, Mirwaiz Umer Farooq, finished his address to a public meeting at Tarzoo in the town, 55 km from here, they said.
Mirwaiz`s supporters raised slogans in his favour which irked the followers of hardline Hurriyat Chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani, who hails from the apple town.
Initially, the rival factions engaged in sloganeering but the situation turned ugly as they hurled kangris (traditional fire pots) and stones at each other, the sources said. Police stepped in and chased away the two groups by resorting to baton charge, they said, adding that no one was hurt.
The sources said Mirwaiz was safe as the clash took place after he left the spot.
PTI