Clashes in J-K on 'Martyrs' day'

Jammu, July 13 (ANI): Fresh protests erupted in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday on 'Martyrs' day' as protesters tried to prevent leaders of the state's National Conference party from paying homage to the martyrs.

Protesters attacked the activists of National Conference gathered at the Martyrs graveyard to pay their tribute to Kashmiri prisoners who were executed in 1931 by the forces of then ruler Hari Singh to suppress an uprising.

The situation turned violent when a group of protesters tried to attack party president, Omar Abdullah and police tried to quell the mob.

Abdullah was immediately rushed away from the spot as police fired warning shots at the irate crowd.

Policemen accompanied the cavalcades of Abdullah and other senior party members to protect the leaders from the stone pelting protesters.

The protesters shouted slogans against National Conference and pelted stones at the party activists in an attempt to prevent them from paying tributes at the graveyard.

Police had to resort to baton charge to control the situation. According to reports, dozens of people were injured in the protest. (ANI)