Srinagar, Nov 16: Panic gripped north Kashmir’s Sopore town on Tuesday after police arrested a street vendor following which clashes broke out between police and protesters resulting in injuries to a dozen persons.
Witnesses said personnel of the Special Operations Group of JK Police appeared near Iqbal Market and pounced upon a vendor who sold bakery in the market. The detained youth was later identified as Firdous Ahmad Sheikh, a resident of Jalalabad Sopore.
As Firdous was being whisked away in a Gypsy, the witnesses said the people resisted as a result of which clashes broke out between stone throwing people and police. The protesters also raised pro-freedom and anti-India slogans.
Soon after, the clashes spread to the adjoining markets.
The youth targeted with stones the State Bank of India building which houses CRPF 79 Bn.
The CRPF retaliated by firing tear gas canisters and baton charging. In the meanwhile more contingents of police were dispatched in the troubled spots.
The police also fired numerous tear gas shells and baton charged people to disperse them.
At least a dozen persons were injured during the police action. The protests continued in the town for two hours.

Lastupdate on : Wed, 17 Nov 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Wed, 17 Nov 2010 18:30:00 GMT
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