Clashes in Srinagar between security forces, protestors

Protestors were agitating against the new food safety act to be implemented in the state in February

Clashes erupted between security forces and protestors in Srinagar's Maisuma area on Monday.

Police said protestors blocked roads in Budshah Chowk commercial area, shouting slogans against the government.

They were agitating against the new food safety act to be implemented in the state from February 1, 2016.

They said authorities were complicating registration of family members for obtaining rations under the act by linking the registration with bank accounts, Aadhaar cards etc.

"When repeated persuasion failed to quell the mob, police used batons and burst tear smoke canisters to disperse the mob and restore traffic on the road in Budshah Chowk," a senior police officer told IANS.

Protestors pelted stones at the security forces. Protests continued in the area.