60 injured in fierce clashes during anti-election strike

Srinagar, Sept 8 (PTI)At least 60 people were injured in
fierce clashes between protesters and security forces across
the Kashmir Valley Monday during a strike called by
separatists against holding of Assembly elections in Jammu and
Kashmir.

Police and paramilitary forces used batons and fired in
air to quell the stone pelting protesters who fought pitched
battles with the personnel at nearly two dozen places in the
valley including Baramulla old town, Maisuma, Nowhatta, Safa
Kadal, Nawab Bazar, Rajouri Kadal, Naid Kadal, Nawa Kadal and
Seki Dafar, official sources said.

At least 60 people, including security personnel, were
injured in the clashes, they said, adding three injured were
admitted to S.M.H.S. and Bone and Joint Hospital here with
bullet injuries.

At least 26 persons including six security personnel
were injured as protesters pelted stones on police at Old town
in Baramulla district. Police fired several rounds in air
after a baton charge and tear gas shells failed to deter the
protesters.
A youth identified as Mudasir Ahmad Gojri was injured
in the firing, the sources said.

They said Gojri, who was hit by the bullet in the face,
was referred to S.M.H.S. hospital here and his condition was
stated to be stable.

Protesters also clashed with police and C.R.P.F. in
Nowhatta area of the city, where a youth was killed by a
rubber bullet on Saturday. At least 18 persons including eight
police personnel were injured in the violence.

The clashes erupted as a bandh called by separatists
in protest against Election Commission's meetings with
mainstream parties to decide on J-K Assembly poll schedule
crippled life in the Valley with shops, business
establishments and educational institutions remaining closed.

Attendance in government offices was thin, work in
banks and courts was also affected and vehicles remained off
the roads.
More than a dozen persons were injured in clashed at
Naid Kadal, Rajouri Kadal and other areas of down town city.

A group of protesters attacked the vehicle of S.
Jalal, former Director S.K.I.M.S. hospital at Sekidafar. Two
civilians were injured when Jalal's personal security officer
opened fire, the sources said.

The Coordination Committee of separatists had
Sunday announced a month-long programme including two
general strikes and a call for march to Lal Chowk to press for
right to self-determination.

Peaceful protests were held in Bandipora, Kulgam and
Shopian district headquarters. No untoward incidents were
reported from these three districts during the protests.