5 youth sustain pellet injuries as clashes rock Nowhatta after Friday prayers

Srinagar: Massive clashes rocked Nowhatta area of downtown after Friday congregational prayers, resulting in injuries to five youth in forces action, witnesses said. Clashes broke out in Jamia Masjid area after a long time on the first Friday of holy month of Ramadhan.
Witnesses said chaotic scenes were witnessed inside the Jamia Masjid due to the intense clashes between youth and the government forces as women, children and elderly were seen running for cover and wails and screams.
They said soon after the Friday prayers ended at the grand masjid, youth raised slogans in favour of Islam and freedom struggle. The youth also pelted forces with the stones triggered massive clashes.
“Forces fired pellets and tear gas shells to disperse the protesters in which five youth sustained minor injuries,” said a worshiper. “It was after almost more than an hour, they managed to come out of the masjid.”
A senior police officer said that minimum force was used to ensure situation doesn’t take ugly turn. “There were a massive stone pelting and only two youth sustained injuries,” he said.