Polling suspended in Baramulla after security officer opens fire

Polling was briefly suspended in a polling station in Baramulla parliamentary constituency after a personal security officer (PSO) of a National Conference (NC) leader opened fire in self-defence, official sources said.      

The PSO of NC district youth president, Ghulam Mohiuddin Sofi fired in the air to defend himself and the leader after a clash broke out between supporters of the ruling party and opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during polling at Higher Secondary school Kreeri, 30 kms from here, the sources said.     

They said the PSO fired a single shot to disperse the PDP supporters who also tried to manhandle Sofi.     

The gun shot sparked panic in the area but the situation was brought under control by the police who immediately reached the scene, the sources added.    

None was hurt in the clash but voting was briefly stopped at the polling station.     

Reports of minor clashes between PDP and NC supporters were also received from Naidkhai, Sonawari and Bandipora in Bandipora district, but there was no report of any casuality, the sources said.  

Clashes were also reported from Kulangam in Handwara area of Kupwara district but none was hurt.