Protesters clash with police after Friday prayers in Kashmir

Protesters shouting anti-election slogans today clashed with police which resorted to baton charge and tear gas shelling at several places in Srinagar, Baramulla and Anantnag districts after Friday prayers.

At least nine persons, including three policemen, were injured as groups of youths, stopped by police from taking out anti-election rallies in support of the call given by hardline Hurriyat faction leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani, fought pitched battles with security personnel.

Geelani is under house arrest since April 12.

The nine persons were injured in clashes at Rajouri kadal, Kawdara, Nawakadal, Kadi Kadal and Gojwara localities of Jamia Masjid in downtown Srinagar, official sources said.

Police used batons and fired tear gas shells to quell the protesters who indulged in stone-pelting, they said

A bid to stage an anti-election rally at Maisuma in the heart of the city was also thwarted, the sources said.

Protesters clashed with police at Main Chowk in Sopore, 55 km from here in Baramulla district and Lal Chowk, Chini Chowk, Mattan Chowk and adjoining areas in Anantnag district, about 50 km from here but no one was hurt.