Srinagar, Jan 28: People staged massive protests in north Kashmir’s Sopore and Baramulla towns after Friday prayers on the call of Hurriyat Conference led by Syed Ali Geelani.
Eyewitnesses told Greater Kashmir that scores of youth took to streets in north Kashmir’s Sopore town this afternoon. Raising pro-freedom and anti-government slogans, the youth pelted stones at a CRPF bunker near a branch of the State Bank of India. However paramilitary forces and policemen chased away the protesters. The forces also resorted to aerial firing to disperse the protesting youth.
The Hurriyat had urged people to stage peaceful protests after Friday prayers against the “continued crackdown on the party members.”
Meanwhile, youth also staged protests in Baramulla town. Police used water canons to disperse the protesters at Cement Bridge. They later fired teargas canisters as well. However the youth offered stiff resistance and clashed with them. Shops, business establishments remained closed in this part of the town after the clashes.
Large contingent of police and paramilitary forces were also deployed in downtown Srinagar in anticipation of protests in view of the call. But the situation remained peaceful there.
Meanwhile, chairman of Democratic Freedom Party Shabir Ahmed Shah continued to remain under house arrest for 12th Friday today.
Talking to Greater Kashmir Shah said the state government was interfering in his religious rights by imposing curbs on prayers. “It is for 12th successive Friday that I have been stopped from offering prayers by putting me under detention in house,” he said.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 28 Jan 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 28 Jan 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 29 Jan 2011 00:00:00 IST