Forces lob tear canisters inside Eidgah

Violent clashes broke out between youth and government forces in Anantnag town of south Kashmir on Saturday.

As soon as the Eid prayers concluded at Ahlihadees Eidgah Achahipora and Hanfia Eidgah Janglat Mandi youth held protest demonstrations.

They were chanting pro-Islam and pro-freedom slogans.

The protesters later clashed with police and paramilitary forces deployed in strength outside.

Youth hurled stones and bricks on the forces who lobbed tear shells, used sound shells, pepper and pellets.

Five youth were hit by pellets during the clashes. One of them, hit by pellets in his eye, was shifted to SMHS hospital in Srinagar for specialised treatment.

Women, children and elderly persons were seen running for cover as forces lobbed teargas shells inside Ahlihadees Eidgah.

“We were listening to the mandatory Eid sermon (Khutba) after offering prayers when numerous teargas shells landed inside the Eidgah,” said 70-year-old Abdul Karim.