Special prayers were held for Mohammad Afzal Guru in the first Friday congregations across the valley after his hanging even as seven persons, including two policemen, were injured in fresh protests against his execution.
Special prayers were held for Mohammad Afzal Guru in the first Friday congregations across the valley after his hanging even as seven persons, including two policemen, were injured in fresh protests against his execution.
Although no prayers were conducted in major mosques of the valley, including the Jamia Masjid in old city, special prayers were held for the Parliament attack convict in the congregations in mosques located in the interiors of the valley, sources said.
They said in some mosques–-especially in north Kashmir-– from where he hailed, Guru was hailed as a martyr for "the Kashmir cause".
Meanwhile, fresh clashes erupted in many places in the valley after Friday prayers to protest against the hanging in Tihar Jail last Saturday.
A civilian was hit by a bullet during clashes between protesters and security forces in Naidkhai area of Bandipora district, official sources said.
They said four other civilians were hurt during the clashes in the area.
A policeman was hurt while dealing with law and order situation in Hajin area of the district while another cop was injured during clashes in Chadoora area of central Kashmir Budgam district, the sources said.
They said protests were held in many places in Kulgam, Pulwama, Shopian, Ganderbal, Budgam, Barmaulla and Kupwara districts of the valley. Clashes were on at some places in north Kashmirtill last reports came in.
Authorities have imposed curfew across the valley as a precautionary measure apprehending law and order problems in view of the separatist call for march to Eidgah in memory of Guru and to press for return of his body for burial in Kashmir.
Meanwhile, hardline Hurriyat Conference led by Syed Ali Shah Geelani today extended the strike over the hanging till Sunday.
"Geelani has called for continuing the shutdown against Guru's hanging till Sunday," his deputy, Mohammad Ashraf Sehrai, said.
The future course of action will be announced at a later date, he added.
"This phase of the protest will be over on Monday and people can resume normal day to day activities from that day," Sehrai said.
He said the Hurriyat reiterates its demand for return of Guru's body to his family for a burial as per their wishes.
"It is moral, legal and humanitarian right of the family to bury their beloved as per their wishes. As such the body should be returned to them," he added.
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