Clashes on Jammu-Pathankot national highway, one killed

At least one person was killed and seven policemen injured as clashes erupted during an anti-encroachment drive on the Jammu-Pathankot national highway in Jammu and Kashmir's Samba district on Monday, police said.

Police said irate protestors set ablaze an earth-mover machine of the Jammu Development Authority (JDA) at Sarore on the Jammu-Pathankot national highway when JDA authorities went there to evict illegal occupants of government land.

"One of the protestors identified as Mohammad Yaqub was killed and seven policemen injured. The driver of the JCB (earth-mover machine) was also injured.

"The situation is tense and clashes are continuing in the area," said a police officer, adding that a rifle of one of the policemen had also been snatched by the protestors and efforts were on to ensure its return.

Reports from the area said agitated protestors had blocked the highway and security personnel were trying to pacify them.