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One injured in firing by CRPF in Srinagar

— Photo: PTI

Chairman of the hardline faction of Hurriyat Conference Syed Ali Shah Geelani (centre) leading a demonstration against the State government’s decision to lease forest land to the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board, in Srinagar on Monday.

SRINAGAR: At least one person was injured here on Monday when Central Reserve Police Force personnel opened fire on a group opposing transfer of 40 hectares of forest land to Shri Amarnath Shrine Board.

The demonstrations were held jointly by both factions of the Hurriyat Conference.

However, eye witnesses said three people sustained bullet injuries and were in critical condition.

The incident triggered tension in the Nowhatta area and the police and paramilitary forces were deployed there.

But, Senior Superintendent of Police (Srinagar) S.A. Mujtaba told The Hindu that only Fayaz Ahmad Rah was injured in firing. “He was injured when some youths pelted stones at the CRPF personnel and in panic they opened fire,” the SSP said, adding that the situation was under control.

Earlier in the day, many were injured and over two dozen people, including some senior Hurriyat leaders, were arrested.

Senior Hurriyat leader Ghulam Nabi Sumji was arrested while heading for a local shrine to stage a protest. Mushtaqul Islam of the Muslim League was also arrested.

Hurriyat leaders Shabir Ahmad Shah, Ashraf Sehrai, Naeem Khan and Javed Mir were put under house arrest.

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