Date:05/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/05/stories/2008080557741100.htm

National

Youth killed in police action in Srinagar

Special Correspondent

Geelani put under house; JKLF chairman Yasin Malik said he would go on a “fast unto death”
Protests in Valley peaceful; the police and the CRPF exercise utmost restraint

SRINAGAR: One person was killed and 15 people were injured at Maisuma here on Monday as the police used tear smoke shells to disperse a procession protesting against the “economic blockade” in Jammu.

The Kashmir Valley observed a complete shutdown. Senior separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani was put under house arrest, while Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front chairman (JKLF) Yasin Malik said he would go on a “fast unto death” on Tuesday.

At Maisuma, a mob, raising slogans against those who enforced the “economic blockade” against Kashmir, engaged the police with stone throwing. The mob expressed solidarity with Muslims in the Jammu region who, it said, “were being targeted by the agitationists,” who were protesting against revocation of land allotment to the Amarnath shrine board.

As the police bid to quell the protests failed, they fired tear smoke shells which hit 20-year-old Asif, who later died in hospital. This incident led to strong protests and the police again used tear smoke shells.

Mr. Malik condemned the police action. “It was a peaceful protest and see how they dealt with it,” he said.

A police spokesman said that throughout the day protests in the Valley were peaceful, and the police and the CRPF exercised the utmost restraint.

Stray incidents

There were a few incidents of stone throwing at Bijbehara, Kakpora and various places in Srinagar. “In these incidents one person died, and 11 policemen and three CRPF personnel were injured,” he said. The protesters threw stones and petrol bombs at the Nowhatta police station.

Mr. Geelani had given the call for Monday’s strike. It was supported by other organisations.

Situation deteriorating

Mr. Malik alleged that law and order in the Jammu region was deteriorating. “I will go on a fast from 10 a.m., Tuesday to counter the forces which are trying to divide the State along communal lines.”

Mr. Malik, who advanced his fast plan from next Monday, said “People of Kashmir have exhibited a lot of restraint and patience despite provocative incidents taking place in the Jammu region.”