Clashes in Srinagar's old city after Friday prayers

Clashes erupted in old city areas here after Friday prayers as groups of youth pelted stones at security personnel and displayed Islamic State and Pakistani flags, police said.

Stone-pelting youth took to streets in Nowhatta area and other places, engaging security forces in pitched battles.

The protesting youths also displayed Pakistani and Islamic State flags.

Police used tear-smoke shells to quell the protestors who kept on regrouping in the lanes and bylanes of the densely-populated areas.

Some photo journalists covering the clashes were injured during the protests.

A senior police officer said security forces were instructed to exercise restraint while dealing with the mobs.

Sporadic clashes were continuing in the area till late afternoon.