Several people injured in clashes between Kashmiri youths and Indian security forces after spontaneous shutdow... Read More

SRINAGAR/JAMMU: At least 12 people were injured in clashes that broke out in several parts of Kashmir Valley on Monday morning following rumours about the scrapping of Article 35A .

A shutdown was observed at many places in the valley as the rumours started to create flutter on social media. People took to the streets following online reports that the Supreme Court, on Monday, would hear the petition challenging the validity of Article 35A, which bars people from outside Jammu and Kashmir to acquire any immovable property in the state.

The Supreme Court hearing is scheduled for August 31.

At least 12 people were injured, when they fought a pitched battle with security forces in Pulwama, Anantnag and Shopian towns of South Kashmir. Clashes were also reported from several parts of North Kashmir and Srinagar. Protestors blocked traffic at Lal Chowk and at Hari Singh Street area and pelted stones on vehicles, causing a panic among locals. As security forces chased away the protestors, pedestrians ran for cover.

Security forces used tear gas to disperse a mob in Srinagar. In Shopian and Anantnag and Kulgam , they used pellet guns to chase away protestors. Several men with pellet wounds, including three with injuries in their eyes, were taken to hospitals in Srinagar, police said.

The police, in a statement, requested people not to pay heed to the rumours and maintain peace. “Some sections of media circulated news regarding Article 35A. The news is refuted as baseless. People are requested to maintain calm and not to pay heed to rumours. The main hearing is on August 31,” the statement read.

The leadership of the Joint Resistance, an amalgam of separatist outfits, have given a shutdown call across Kashmir on August 30 and 31 to mark protests against any attempt to abrogate Article 35A.

The police registered cases against more than a dozen National Conference workers for allegedly raising “pro-Azadi” slogans during protests against Article 35A in Poonch district.

“We have lodged cases against over a dozen of NC activists who raised pro-Azadi slogans during a protest, called by the party MLA from Mendhar, against Article 35A on Saturday,” the police said.

