There seems to be no let-up in violence in the Kashmir Valley as clashes and strike continued for the 42nd consecutive day on Friday, leaving scores of people injured.
Reports said that violent clashes broke out between protesters and security personnel after Friday’s congregation prayers. Defying curfew, youth fought pitched battles with the security forces.
However, the authorities did not allow Friday congregation prayers at the historic Jamia Masjid in Srinagar and other sensitive areas of Kashmir for the sixth consecutive week.
Security personnel arrested many people as they stepped out of their houses in response to a call given by separatist leaders Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq to march towards the UN office in Srinagar.
Late on Thursday evening, an ambulance driver was shot at by CRPF personnel at Safakadal in the old city of Srinagar when he was taking a patient to SMHS hospital. The injured driver has been admitted to a hospital.
Following an uproar, the CRPF suspended one of its men responsible for the shooting. “We cannot go on a strike keeping in view the precarious situation in the Valley. We are with the government to ensure safety of the health officials and ambulance drivers,” health officials said.
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