Protesters clash with security personnel in Srinagar

Srinagar: A youth was injured when CRPF personnel allegedly opened fire to chase away stone-pelting protesters in downtown Srinagar on Saturday.

A major part of downtown Srinagar from Khanyar to Hawal including Jamia Masjid observed a complete shutdown on Saturday to protest the night raids by police in different parts of the interior city to nab those allegedly involved in hoisting of controversial flags and stone pelting after Friday prayers.

A mob pelted stones on a CRPF bunker after which security personnel opened fire at Saraf Kadal Chowk. Sajad Ahmad Mir (20), a resident of Khanyar, was hit by a bullet in the right leg, a police officer said. He said the injured youth was admitted to hospital where his condition was stated to be "stable".

Minor clashes between protesters and security personnel were also reported from Jamia Masjid and a few other areas but there was no report of any casualty, the officer said.

The residents, who blocked the main roads in dozens of localities in and around the historic Jamia Masjid, in the wee hours accused police of highhandedness during the raids.

The protesters also alleged that relatives of some of the absconding accused were also detained.