Two injured as security forces open fire in Kashmir

Two persons were injured here this evening, one of them critically, as security forces opened fire to disperse protesters who hurled stones at them defying restrictions imposed in parts of old city even as curfew remained in force at Anantnag for the fourth day.

A group of youth started throwing stones at the CRPF personnel at Zaldagar near Habba Kadal area of the city late in the evening as the troops were withdrawing from the area after being stationed there to maintain law and order duties during the day, official sources here said.

The paramilitary personnel first used batons to chase away the stone-pelters but in vain as the number of stone-pelters kept swelling, forcing them to use the pellet gun which left two persons injured, the sources said.

The injured have been identified as Reyaz Ahmad Badyari, who has been hit in the abdomen and Sajid Rashid, who has sustained injuries in both his legs, they said adding that the condition of Ahmad is stated to be critical.

Curfew remained in force for the fourth day today to maintain law and order in Anantnag town of south Kashmir.

"Curfew has not been lifted in Anantnag town as there are apprehensions of violent protests in the town following inputs to this effect," a senior police officer said.

A boy was killed during firing by security forces on August 30, sparking protests in the south Kashmir town and prompting authorities to clamp curfew there.

Restrictions were imposed in many parts of Srinagar city as a precautionary measure to prevent the separatist elements from holding any demonstrations and to maintain law and order.

Shops, educational institutions, banks and private offices remained closed and all modes of public transport were off the roads.

However, some private vehicles could be seen plying on the roads in the civil lines area of the city and in Budgam, Ganderbal and Bandipora towns.

The Valley was rocked by violence following the death of a teenager on June 11 after he was allegedly hit by a tear gas shell near Rajouri Kadal area of old city. Street protests broke out in the Valley which has claimed 65 lives so far.