<div>Clashes erupted here today between the youth and security forces near the venue of the first-ever international half marathon in Kashmir valley.<br /><br />The youth shouted slogans and pelted stones at the forces near the venue in Hazratbal area of the city, police said.<br /><br />The security personnel fired teargas shells to disperse the protesters at Habak Crossing."The situation is under control now," police said. The were no reports of any injuries.<br /><br />The 21-km half marathon was flagged off in the morning from the Kashmir University at Hazratbal. It was to pass through the banks of Dal Lake along Foreshore Road.<br /><br />Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was also scheduled to take part in the event. He later cancelled his participation owing to the situation.<br /><br />As many as 15 international athletes had confirmed their participation in the event for which more than 15,000 people had registered.<br /><br />"The theme for the 5 km run was 'save the Dal'. It's such a pity that politics had to come in the way of that also (sic)," Omar tweeted.<br /><br />"I was looking forward to a nice, quiet run which wasn't to be. Just as well I was advised against participating (sic)," he said.</div>
<div>Clashes erupted here today between the youth and security forces near the venue of the first-ever international half marathon in Kashmir valley.<br /><br />The youth shouted slogans and pelted stones at the forces near the venue in Hazratbal area of the city, police said.<br /><br />The security personnel fired teargas shells to disperse the protesters at Habak Crossing."The situation is under control now," police said. The were no reports of any injuries.<br /><br />The 21-km half marathon was flagged off in the morning from the Kashmir University at Hazratbal. It was to pass through the banks of Dal Lake along Foreshore Road.<br /><br />Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was also scheduled to take part in the event. He later cancelled his participation owing to the situation.<br /><br />As many as 15 international athletes had confirmed their participation in the event for which more than 15,000 people had registered.<br /><br />"The theme for the 5 km run was 'save the Dal'. It's such a pity that politics had to come in the way of that also (sic)," Omar tweeted.<br /><br />"I was looking forward to a nice, quiet run which wasn't to be. Just as well I was advised against participating (sic)," he said.</div>