Stone pelters target security forces after Eid prayers in J&K, one killed in clashes

Srinagar: Fresh clashes erupted after the security forces were targeted with stones by a large number of agitated Kashmiri youths immediately after the Eid prayers in several parts of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday. According to reports, the clashes were first reported in Janglaat Mandi town in the Anantnag district in Jammu and Kashmir. 

One youth identified as Sheeraz Ahmad, a resident of Brakpora town in Anantnag, was killed after being reportedly hit by a tear gas shell during clashes. 

The incident was reported around 6.45 am immediately after the morning prayers. The protesters also shouted ''Pakistan Zindabad'' (Long Live Pakistan) slogans and as they attacked the security personnel deployed on duty.

The police and security forces had to use tear gas shells and pellet guns to disperse the violent crowd. At least three protesters were injured in the process, according to doctors in an Anantnag hospital.

In Pulwama, a crowd protested against the killing of a nine-year-old boy on Friday in an Army firing, the police said. 

The youth in Shopian town also resorted to stone pelting.

Clashes also took place in Srinagar city's Eidgah area where large crowds of devotees gathered to offer Congregational Eid prayers.

Eid prayers were also held in Baramulla, Sopore, Badgam, Kupwara and Ganderbal towns and were largely peaceful.

All this comes a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting which was attended by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, NSA Ajit Doval and other top officials on the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

During the meeting, the Centre's suspension of anti-terror operations during the holy month of Ramzan was also reviewed.

In a related development, Pakistan troops on Saturday violated ceasefire at 4:00 AM in Arnia sector of Jammu district. One Army jawan has lost his life during ceasefire violation by the Pakistani troops in Nowshera sector.

Jammu & Kashmir: Pakistan violated ceasefire at 0400 hours in Arnia sector; Border Security Force retaliated.

— ANI (@ANI) June 16, 2018

On Wednesday, Pakistan condemned the “unprovoked ceasefire violations” along the Line of Control (LoC) by Indian troops and summoned India’s Acting Deputy High Commissioner over the same. The firing killed four and injured at least three in Jammu and Kashmir’s Chamliyal area of Samba district on Tuesday night.

In total, the Kashmir Valley has witnessed the killings of over 55 terrorists and the deaths of 27 locals this year. The situation in Kashmir is considered to be turbulent as nearly 80 incidents of violence occurred there in the last four months. Civilians were often seen thronging to encounter sites to stage protests with the intention of giving the militants an opportunity to escape.