Clashes erupt in Srinagar over 'braid chopping' incidents

Clashes broke out here on Monday as protesters pelted stones on security forces for alleged failure to arrest "braid choppers" in the Valley, police said.

Police used tear smoke shells to disperse stone pelting protesters in Maisuma area as they stopped traffic and forced closure of shops.

Life in city centre Lal Chowk which is adjacent also came to a standstill as protests spilled over.

There have been over 100 incidents of braid chopping in the Valley during last one month, but not a single culprit has been arrested so far.

The general scare among women folk in Kashmir has given rise to civilian brigades who keep vigil in villages and towns in the Valley but these vigilante mobs often end up roughing up or beating innocent people.

Police have vehemently denied allegations that any member of the state police or any other security force is involved in these incidents.

They also say that the victims have so far not been cooperating with them which is required for investigators to establish the motive of these crimes.

--IANS

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