Clashes at funeral of man mowed by CRPF vehicle in J&K

SRINAGAR: Protests and clashes erupted in Srinagar on Saturday during the funeral of a 21-year-old youth who died after he was mowed down by a CRPF vehicle during stone-pelting in City’s Nowhatta area recently. 

The condition of one of the two other youths also injured in the CRPF’s action is stated be critical. Following the incident that sparked anger in Kashmir, J&K police registered two separate cases against the CRPF and the protesters.

The FIRs have been registered under Sections 307 (Attempt to murder) and 279 (rash driving) 148 of the Ranbir Penal Code against the CRPF and Section 148 (Rioting, armed with deadly weapon) against the protesters among other sections including sections 149, 152, 336 and 427. 

Confirming the police has booked the CRPF and protesters, Srinagar’s SSP Imtiaz Ismail Parray said, “We have lodged two cases with regard to the incident.” 

Amid rising tensions over the incident, large contingents of J&K police and Central forces were fanned out across Srinagar on Saturday to enforce a security lockdown. However, thousands of residents after violating the curfew-like restrictions poured out on the streets to chant pro-freedom slogans. Many of them relocated to Srinagar’s Fateh Kad-al area to join the funeral procession of the slain youth, witnesses said.

As the funeral was on, the security forces burst tear gas canisters into the crowd injuring mourners. Subsequently, the mourners loaded the casket onto a truck that was quickly driven to Srinagar’s Idgah ‘martyrs’ cemetery’ where Bhat was laid to rest amid chants of “God is great” and “We want freedom”. Meanwhile, four CRPF jawans and two civilians were injured in two grenade attacks in Srinagar on Saturday evening.