Indian army opens fire, dozens injured in Kashmir

Srinagar, September 3: Twenty-five people were today injured in paramilitary and police violent actions in the Kashmir Valley including in Baramulla where troops opened fire to quell protestors. Five persons were injured in firing in Baramulla. The incident took place when a group of armymen of 46 Rastriya Rifles were removing two flags from atop a communication tower mobile tower in Sabzi Market and were attacked by people. Two of the critically injured identified as Tanvir Ahmad Gojri and Farooq Ahmad Tantray were referred to Srinagar for treatment.A woman was also injured when she was hit by a stone of forces during the clash.

The trouble started when an army vehicle from 46 Rastriya Rifles spot a Pakistani flag hoisted in Cement Bridge area. As the troops went to remove it, youth started massive stone pelting at the troops after which they resorted to aerial firing. The injured have been identified as Tanveer Ahmad Gojri son of Sonaullah, Mohammed Yaseen Dar son of Mohammed Rajab, Amir Qadeer son of Mohammad Qadeer, Shabir Ahmad son of Abdul Rehman, Irfan Ahmad Son of Manzoor Ahmad, Farooq Ahmad Tantray Son of Abdul Rehman and woman Shareefa wife of Ghulam Mohidin of Handwara were injured.  Gojri who was hit on thigh and Yaseen Dar, who sustained bullet in leg, have been removed to SHMS hospital here where their condition is said to be critical.  Later, they said, police and paramilitary forces reached the spot and resorted to massive baton charge. Eight persons sustained injuries in the beating, they added

Earlier during the day, five civilians and eight policemen were injured in clashes at Kangan in Ganderbal district. Five persons were injured when police used teargas canisters and resorted to baton charge a group of pro-freedom protesters in Kangan area. Reports and official sources said that soon after the Friday prayers, scores of youth took to streets in Kangan. Police resorted to baton charge which was responded with stones by protester. Police later fired teargas canisters and intensified baton charge, resulting into injuries to five persons.

Five persons were injured in similar clashes at Nowhatta, Gojwara and Noushehra in interior Srinagar and Two persons were injured in Sopore town.

.However, curfew was imposed in Kunzar in Tangmarg who were protesting against the police inaction in the case relating to the murder of 17-year-old Sameera last month.The Valley has been rocked by violence following the death of a teenager on June 11 after he was y hit by a tear smoke shell of forces near Rajouri Kadal area of the old city. Agencies