Security forces burst teargas shells in Kashmir valley

Shouting “anti-forces” and “pro-freedom” slogans, scores of protestors, including women and children, took to streets at Batamaloo in uptown Srinagar against the killings of 70 civilians in security force firing since July 9. Security forces deployed in the area swung into action and burst teargas shells to disperse the protestors, who were regrouping and pelting stones from narrow lanes. 

Hundreds of protestors hit the streets at Watho and Qazigund on Srinagar-Jammu national highway in south Kashmir districts of Shopian and Kulgam respectively to protest. The slogan-shouting protestors marched towards the main chowk in their respective districts. However, security forces deployed in these areas stopped the protestors from moving ahead and asked them to return. As the protestors didn’t back down, security forces burst teargas shells to disperse the demonstrators, who were pelting stones. 

Reports of clashes were also coming from Sopore in Baramulla, and various areas in Bandipora. The clashes were going on when the reports last came in. Both the factions of the Hurriyat Conference (HC) and Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), spearheading the present agitation since July 9, had extended the strike call till September 1.