17 injured in clash between stone pelters and forces

At least 17 people were injured today by pellets fired by security forces to quell stone- pelting mobs in Shopian district, police said.

13 of them were discharged after being administered first aid at a local hospital.

Hundreds of people were protesting against the recent civilian killings in the valley at Vehil village this afternoon when some "miscreants" among them started pelting stones at security forces, a police official said.

Security forces retaliated by firing tear smoke shells and pellet guns, the official said, adding 17 people received pellet injuries.

"Four of the injured have been referred to hospitals in Srinagar for specialised treatment," he added.

Reports of stone pelting were also received from Nowgam area of the city, Khushhaalpora in Sopore area of Baramulla district and Bandipora town, the official said.