Clashes in Old City, Pulwama

Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Jan 1: Stone-throwing clashes erupted between youth and security forces in Old City here and in South Kashmir’s Pulwama town today after Friday prayers leaving three persons injured.
Dozens of masked youths assembled outside Jamia Masjid in Nowhatta area of Old City and raised slogans of Islamic State (IS). The protesters shouted slogans and resorted to stone-pelting on security forces outside Nowhatta police station.
Police lobbed teargas and pepper gas after which the stone-throwers dispersed off but re-grouped at neighbouring Saraf Kadal area. The clashes at Saraf Kadal continued till late evening between youth and Police.
Meanwhile, police resorted to heavy intense teargas shelling in Pulwama Town on youth this afternoon after they attempted to erect a hoarding – which had the pictures of slain top local and foreign militants including Abu Qasim. Police while foiling the attempt chased away the youths but the latter resorted to massive stone-pelting, resulting in injuries to three persons.
Besides Pulwama Town, the clashes also erupted at Kakapora and Samboora areas amidst a shutdown after Friday prayers. The clashes in Pulwama Town prompted shopkeepers to down their shutters while the traffic was also affected.
In the meanwhile, the separatist activists belonging to hardline Hurriyat Conference led by Syed Ali Shah Geelani held protests at several places over their demand of disbanding Village Defence Committees in Jammu Division.