Snap strike against blasphemous depiction in Srinagar

A snap strike hit life in parts of the old city this afternoon as hundreds of people protested against the alleged blasphemous depiction of the holy city of Madina on some products but police rejected their claim as based on "rumours".

People in Nowhatta area of old city came out on the roads as word spread about the alleged blasphemy.

Protesters went around several areas in the city and forced shopkeepers to pull down their shutters and within minutes the area wore a deserted look, the sources said.

As the news spread like wild fire, people in other areas came out of their houses and started marching towards Lal Chowk but were intercepted by police at several places on the way especially at Nowpora, where they used lathis and fired tear gas shells to disperse the agitated crowds.

The protesters hurled stones on police leading to clashes between them.

A police spokesperson said some vested interests have spread rumours about the alleged blasphemous act.

However, he said that they were investigating the matter and had asked people to remain calm.