Clashes in Srinagar over killing of youths in Army firing

Clashes broke out on Tuesday between protestors and security forces in Nowgam area of the city over killing of two youths in Army firing in Budgam district of Kashmir even as authorities imposed restrictions on the movement of the people as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order.

Groups of youth started pelting stones at police personnel posted on law and order duty in Nowgam area, minutes after the two deceased youth — both local residents — were laid to rest, police said.

Police used tear smoke shells to chase away the protestors but intermittent clashes were going on in the area, the police said.

So far there were no reports of injury in the clashes.

Two youth were killed and two others injured, who were travelling in a car, when they were fired upon by Army personnel in Chattargam area of Budgam district at 5 p.m. on Monday.

The Army had claimed that the youths did not pay heed to signals to stop them at three barriers set up by security forces.

“Three motor vehicle check points were established along the route to nab militants. The car in which these youth were travelling did not stop at two check points when they were flagged down. They even broke through the third barrier at Chattargam, leading to the security forces opening firing on them,” Army said in a statement.

The Army has ordered a court of inquiry into the incident to ascertain the facts even as it regretted the loss of lives in the incident.

Police also has lodged an FIR into the incident and started investigations.