Junaid Shafeeq
Srinagar: On the call of resistance camp, massive protests amidst clashes erupted in several parts of Kashmir Valley on Friday against the killing of a minor girl of Kupwara district during a gunfight.
Hundreds of youth and resistance activists staged massive protests at Jamia Masjid in Old City’s Nowhatta area after culmination of Friday prayers. The protesters shouted slogans in favour of Islam, Azadi and against the killing of the girl who according to police was hit by a stray bullet during the encounter between Lashkar-e-Toiba militants and government forces.
According to a Hurriyat (M) statement Mirwaiz Muhammad Umar Farooq, who was placed under house arrest early Friday morning at his residence and once again barred from offering Friday prayers, said that the killing of minor girl Kaneeza at Hyhama Kupwara once again shows the utter disregard and callousness that the forces have for the life of a Kashmiri which can become a target any and everywhere, even while sleeping within the confines of their homes.
According to witnesses, dozens of youth pelted stones on government forces additionally deployed in Nowhatta area. The witnesses said that the forces lobbed teargas canisters on the protesters, ensuing intense clashes between the two sides. Some youth also threw petrol bombs on policemen but no one was injured. The clashes between pro-freedom youth and police continued for several areas and later they also spread to adjoining Rajouri Kadal area.
Veteran resistance leader and Hurriyat (G) chaiman Syed Ali Geelani and Mohammad Ashraf Sehrai were again placed under house arrest while police raided the residences of Mohammad Ashraf Laya and Omer Adil Dar, a Hurriyat spokesman said in a statement. The spokesman said that pro-freedom leaders are not even allowed to carry their political activities through peaceful means even within the four walls and are barring their meet with media person.
At Hyderpora, dozens of youth staged protests after Friday prayers against minor girl’s killing and also clashed with government forces. Similar clashes were reported from Sabzi Mandi at Soura. According to a Hurriyat statement, several resistance leaders addressed public gathering in many areas of the Valley after Friday prayers and condemned “state-terrorism”.
The north Kashmir’s Sopore Township was once again today on boil and scores of youths clashed with government forces after Friday prayers in Jamia Masjid area. The youths were shouting slogans in favour of Islam and also against the minor girl’s killing. The clashes in the area continued for many hours.
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