One student killed in police shooting

People took to the streets demanding a degree college

SRINAGAR: One student was killed and seven others injured when police fired on protestors who took to the streets demanding a degree college at Magam in the Budgam district of central Kashmir.

They were angry because Magam has not been included in a list of towns where government  plans to open new colleges.  The state cabinet approved on Friday plans for 18 colleges all over the state.

SSP Budgam Syed Ashiq Hussain Bukhari said some of the agitators resorted to arson and set a bus on fire. “Later, some snatched a weapon from a constable who was seriously injured. Six civilians were injured with one of them, Zahoor Ahmad succumbing to his injuries in hospital”, he said.

Locals refuted the police version of events saying that they were holding a peaceful demonstration when police and para-military forces began  a lathi-charge.

“We were pressing for our demands peacefully but police opened unprovoked fire,” said Ghulam Hussain, one of the protestors.

Agitators also threw rocks at the security forces and damaged some vehicles. Police hit back firing smoke shells. Eyewitnesses said the situation in Magam remains  tense.

Additional forces have been deployed in the area. Senior police and civil officers were at the spot to
help bring the situation under control.