10 injured in Srinagar clashes

Srinagar, Oct 12 (IANS) Curfew like restrictions were re-imposed Sunday in parts of the old city here following fresh clashes between security forces and protesters that left ten people injured.

Angry youths shouting pro-freedom and anti-India slogans took to the streets in old city areas of Nowhatta, Gojiwara, Rajouri Kadal, Bohri Kadal, Naid Kadal, Fateh Kadal, Khankahi Maulla, Kaw Mohalla, and Rainawari Sunday morning. They pelted stones at the police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) troopers.

Security forces fired tear gas shells and baton-charged initially, but later opened fire to disperse the mob at Khankahi Maulla.

'One person received bullet injury and was taken to hospital,' a police official said.

As the mob swelled, authorities who had lifted the curfew Sunday morning from the entire old city, moved in CRPF re-inforcements to control the situation.

But as the clashes intensified, the administration decided to impose curfew-like restrictions in the old city areas falling under the jurisdiction of Nowhatta and Khanyar police stations.

'The troops have blocked lanes and by-lanes in our area using razor fitted wires. They are not allowing any movement,' said Muhammad Ayub, a resident of Bohri Kadal.

Police sources here said ten people, including two CRPF troopers, were injured in Sunday's clashes in the old city.

A report from north Kashmir's Baramulla town, 55 kms from here, said protesters clashed with police again Sunday.

The clashes erupted after Saturday's arrest of some youths by the police in the town.

The police personnel responded with a baton charge.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who inaugurated the first Kashmir train Saturday, had offered to hold talks with all sections of the society.

He said: 'The recent incidents in the state show that there is some resentment towards the government among a section of the youth here on certain issues. It has always been our belief that even the most difficult issues can be resolved through dialogue. We started a series of round table conferences and the government will welcome dialogue with all sections of people.'