Srinagar, June 28: Police have launched a crackdown on youngsters allegedly involved in stone-pelting incidents that erupted in the old city following the destruction of the 200-year-old shrine of Dastgeer Sahab (RA) in Khanyar area on Monday.
Using video footage and photographs taken by undercover cops, the police has so far detained two dozen youngsters from various parts of the old city where stone-pelting took place on Monday after the Dastgeer Sahab (RA) shrine was destroyed in a fire incident, police sources said.
They said police conducted night time raids in Nowhatta, Khanyar and adjoining areas to pick up the youngsters involved in stone-pelting incidents.
Inspector General of Police Kashmir SM Sahai said law will takes its own course in dealing with those who had created a law and order problem following the fire incident.
"I do not have the number of persons detained or arrested but we cannot allow people to take law in their own hands," Sahai said.
Asked about the investigation into the cause of fire at the shrine, the IGP said preliminary investigations indicate that the fire was accidental. "We will have to wait for the final investigation report," he added.
Curfew-like restrictions have been imposed in six police station areas of old city following violent clashes on Monday.
The police station jurisdictions where the restrictions have been imposed include Khanyar, Nowhatta, Rainawari, M R Gunj, Kralkhud and Safakadal.
More than 50 persons including 11 policemen were injured in the clashes between police and angry protestors, who even targeted senior separatist leaders and a state minister when they visited the shrine.
Last night, a group of young people thrashed the Sajada Nasheen (custodian of the Holy relics at the shrine) for not giving due credit to local people for saving the relics.

Lastupdate on : Thu, 28 Jun 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 28 Jun 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 29 Jun 2012 00:00:00 IST