Clashes were reported from across the Valley nProtesters threw stones, shouted pro-freedom slogans; at least 65 students were injured
Hundreds of students in school uniforms clashed with the security forces in Kashmir on Monday protesting police action in a Pulwama college. Around 65 students were reportedly injured in the clashes. 3G and 4G internet services on mobile phones have been suspended across the Valley.
The violence that began Pulwama spread to other parts of Kashmir within hours after young men and women chanting pro-freedom slogans and throwing stones joined the protesters. The clashes were to protest the alleged violence against students of Government Degree College (GDC) in Pulwama on Saturday. At least 55 GDC students were injured.
The call for protest was given by the banned Kashmir University Students Union in all colleges and universities. The forces are not supposed to enter college or university premises without special permission, say students.
By mid-morning on Monday, violence was reported in all major colleges in the Valley — including the Kashmir University and the Women’s College in Srinagar and colleges in Tral and Sopore.
Protesters turned violent in Srinagar, south and north Kashmir after police disallowed their marches. Masked students pelted stones on the police posse at a number of places in the Valley, triggering clashes between the two sides. Police used tear gas shells and sprinkled coloured water to disperse mobs.
Students in SP College, Srinagar confined themselves inside the campus and pelted stones at the police.
Police said that the Station House Officer of Kothibagh police station and four other policemen were injured at MA Road in Srinagar while tackling the protesters.
“I hope Mehbooba Mufti has thought through the implications of mass student protests across the Valley. This is a deeply worrying situation… Why could all colleges/universities not have been closed for a few days after the Pulwama clashes? Is Mehbooba Mufti not alert to the situation?” tweeted Omar Abdullah, former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir.
Sensing trouble, J&K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) demanded immediate probe and stern action against the policemen involved in the Pulwama College incident.
PDP convened an emergency meeting on Monday to discuss the ongoing clashes between the students and the security forces.
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