‘Chased’ by cops, teen drowns in Jhelum

Tribune News service

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Srinagar, September 1

A teenager drowned in the Jhelum when a group of protesters was being chased by the police at Noorbagh in Srinagar today. He was identified as Danish Sultan, 13.

Reports said he jumped into the water along with two others to escape the police. While the two others swam to safety, Danish could not come out and drowned, residents said. The police said there was no deployment in the area and the reports were being verified.

Meanwhile, nearly 50 civilians were injured today in clashes between protesters and police across Kashmir as tension prevailed a day after the death of a youth in Baramulla district. Restrictions remained in force in various parts of the Valley and a complete shutdown continued across the region today.

Ahead of the eighth crucial Friday and separatists’ call for ‘azadi march’ to the tehsil headquarters tomorrow, the authorities this evening decided to enforce curfew and restrictions in Srinagar tomorrow.

Intense protests have been witnessed after the Friday prayers across Kashmir, prompting the authorities to impose curfew in several areas, particularly in downtown Srinagar, where Jamia Masjid is located. No Friday prayers have been offered at Jamia masjid due to curfew during the past six Fridays.

The police said the overall situation remained under control throughout the Valley today, barring some incidents of stone-throwing.

“Three stone-throwing incidents were reported from Srinagar and Kupwara and one each from Anantnag, Shopian, Ganderbal, Budgam and Sopore,” a spokesman said.

Miscreants came on roads and attempted to disturb normal traffic and movement of people by throwing stones on vehicles and on police and security forces, he added.

Protests continued in north Kashmir today.

At least 20 civilians were injured in clashes in the Mazhama-Kanihama area, while three others got injured in clashes at Ompora, Budgam district. Tension also gripped Kaloosa and main town of Bandipora after clashes erupted following alleged harassment by security forces.