SRINAGAR, INDIA
Heavy clashes have erupted between Indian security forces and Kashmiri protesters in several parts of Kashmir after the Eid ul Fitr prayers on Saturday. A group of youth also raised a Pakistani Flag during the protests in the Eidgah area of Srinagar city.
Top separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani who heads the Hurriyat Conference had asked people to organise protests after the Eid prayers against the policies of the ruling government in the state. Prime Minister Modi is visiting Jammu and Kashmir at this time, under heavy security, including the banning of vehicles in and out of Jammu University where Modi was scheduled to speak, according to IBN Live. The government is working a large development package for Jammu and Kashmir.
According to multiple reports, clashes broke out between the security personnel and the protesting youth in Srinagar city and parts of North and South Kashmir. A number of media reports said that youths displayed Pakistani flags and other flags, including the flags of terrorist groups, during the protests.
Police fired tear gas shells to disperse the stone throwers, to restore law and order. Some of the youth set fire to the tricolour before marching towards Nowhatta Chowk and then towards Khanyar Chowk, according to a story at Firstpost.
Ahmad Mukhtiyar reported in March this year, The Unhealed Scars of Kashmir “However, the situation in the region may seem to have improved over the last couple of years, as the number of tourists visiting the valley from all over the world has increased concomitantly signifying “the return of peace” in Kashmir. But the scars of the past have not been healed, and they have left an indelible mark on the psyche of the people. Hundreds of persons who were brutally beaten up by the paramilitary forces during the mass uprising were left maimed and are bedridden for life.”
A Security person with a pellet gun in his hand watches youth throwing stones in Srinagar, Kashmir.
