Arrest of youth sparks protests in Islamabad

Srinagar: At least a dozen people, including three policemen on Tuesday were injured in violent clashes triggered by the arrest of two youth in nocturnal raids in South Kashmir’s Islamabad district.

Eyewitnesses told a joint team of Special Operations Group (SOG) of police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) carried out nocturnal raids in several parts of the district and arrested two youth for their alleged role in stone pelting. The youth have been identified as Bilal Hakeem, son of Mukhtar Ahmad of Reshi Bazar and Shiraz Ahmad, son of Ghulam Nabi Sheikh of Utarsoo, Nijigund.

When the news of the arrests spread this morning, scores of people mainly youth assembled at Reshi Bazar and Lal Chowk and staged pro-freedom and anti-India demonstrations. Chanting “We want Freedom,” Islam Zindabad,” “Go India Go Back,” the protesters were demanding immediate release of the youth.

The protesters, eyewitnesses said pelted rocks and stones on the forces to express their anger. The forces resorted to cane charge and lobbed several teargas canisters to disperse the protesters.

The ding-dong clashes soon spread to Malknag, Janglat Mandi, Cheeni Chowk, Nai Basti, Ashajipora and Lazibal. Besides shouting pro-freedom and anti-India slogans, the protesters hurled rocks on the forces. The clashes that continued till late evening left at least a dozen people, including three policemen injured. They have been identified as Mukhtar Ahmad and Arif Ahmad.

A youth identified as Arif Ahmad, son of Mohammad Ahsan Bhat received head injuries when a trooper allegedly hurled a stone at him near Lal Chowk. The injured youth was rushed to SK Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar for specialized treatment.

“The duo was involved in stone pelting. A case Fir No 419/2010 under section 148, 149, 435 and 307 RPC has been registered against them,” a police official wishing anonymity told.

Meanwhile, a college student was arrested on the charges of stone pelting in Bijbehara area of the district.

Irfan Ahmad, son of Mohammad Ishaq Vaid of Vaid Mohalla, a class twelfth student was arrested during a nocturnal raid by SOG and police.