Date:07/09/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/07/stories/2008090754130900.htm

National

Youth killed in police action in Srinagar

Shujaat Bukhari

SRINAGAR: A young man was killed and several others were injured in police action to quell protests here, even as the entire Kashmir Valley observed a complete shutdown in response to a call by separatists.

Eyewitnesses told The Hindu that Javed Iqbal Bhat, 20, was killed in the Nowhatta area when the police used teargas shells and later opened fire to disperse a mob shouting anti-India and pro-freedom slogans. Though the police claimed that only rubber bullets were used to disperse the protesters, locals alleged that Javed was fired upon. Doctors declared him “brought dead” to hospital.

Several others were injured in clashes with the police and CRPF personnel in many parts of the city.

The killing of Javed evoked protests and thousands assembled near the Eidgah Martyrs’ graveyard, where he was laid to rest.

Reports from other parts of the Valley said the strike was complete. Shops, business establishments, educational institutions, government offices and banks remained closed. .