2 killed, 19 hurt in fresh violence in Kashmir

Fresh violence in Kashmir today claimed two lives and left 19 others injured in alleged firing by security forces in Pattan and Anantnag towns even as curfew was relaxed in parts of Srinagar, the hub of ongoing protests in the Valley which entered 100th day today.

A youth was killed and four others sustained injuries as security forces allegedly opened fire on a group of persons coming out of a mosque at Palhalan in Pattan area, 32 kms from here, in Baramulla district. Although local residents alleged that the firing by security forces was unprovoked, a police spokesman said a mob tried to block the Srinagar-Baramulla National Highway and started heavy stone pelting on security forces.

“As security forces tried to control the situation, three persons were injured,” he said.

Clashes erupted in south Kashmir Anantnag town, after the body of a 10-year-old boy, who was missing since Monday, was fished out from river Jhelum, official sources said. Thousands of residents of Nathpora in Khanabal and adjoining areas in Anantnag defied curfew and took out a procession with the body of the boy, Maroof Ahmad Nath.

Maroof had jumped into the river when protestors were allegedly being chased by securitymen during a clash.