Fresh Violence in Sopore after Boy’s Killing
After a 20-year-old youth Bilal Ahmed Wani was killed when the CRPF used rubber bullets on protesters, fresh clashes were reported in Sopore in the Kashmir Valley, said media reports.
The funeral procession of Bilal today turned into a large protest, with nearly 4000 protestors carrying Bilal’s body marched on the streets of the town raising anti-government and pro-freedom slogans, reports said.
Security forces are trying to stop the protest march called by separatists today against the civilian deaths in Sopore, said reports.
Hundreds of policemen have been deployed and barricades erected on the Srinagar-Baramulla highway to prevent separatists from marching to Sopore, reports said.
Schools and colleges in the Valley will remain closed for two days to prevent student protests, said reports.
Speaking to Union Home Minister P Chidambaram, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah voiced strong concern over civilians becoming victims of action by paramilitary forces.
Asking him to intervene in the matter, Omar asked the Home Minister to visit the state. The visit is likely to take place in a day or two.
Chidambaram said that the Union government is committed to supporting the state government in its endeavour to bring peace and order in the state and will do everything possible in this regard.
(Based on internet reports)
