Shutdown in Downtown Srinagar against ‘police high-handedness’

A complete shutdown is being observed in Downtown Srinagar on Saturday to protest the use of force on protesters in Nowhatta area yesterday.

At least 50 people, including women worshippers, were injured after Friday prayers yesterday after the police and paramilitary forces fired tear gas and pellets to break up a protest. Two police officers were also injured in the clashes.

The clashes erupted soon after congregational prayers, and turned more intense after forces allegedly fired pellets inside the grand mosque, leaving many dripping with blood and staining its floor.

Some youth who were trying to leave the mosque were further angered at seeing the floor of the central mosque splattered with fresh blood, adding to the commotion.

All shops and other business establishments remained closed in the area following a shutdown call issued by the Jamia market traders' federation against "desecration" of the grand mosque.

Meanwhile, traders held a protest outside the historic mosque against what they called as police high-handedness.

Earlier, Hurriyat (M) chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq visited the SMHS hospital to enquire about the health of the injured.