One killed as protesters, security forces clash

Security personnel allegedly shot dead a youth in Srinagar on Saturday, triggering fresh protests in the Valley that is tense over several video clips showing alleged human rights violation by the armed forces.

A police spokesperson said they were trying to ascertain the cause and circumstances leading to the death of Sajad Hussain Sheikh, 22, of Chandoosa in Baramulla. Sheikh was based at SD Colony in Batamaloo, on the outskirts of Srinagar.

“Somebody shot somebody. We are verifying,” said Imtiyaz Parray, the Srinagar superindent of police.

The state’s director general of police, SP Vaid, said there were allegations that the youth died in firing by Border Security Force (BSF) jawans. “I spoke to SSP Srinagar, he told me they were trying to ascertain,” Vaid said.

Residents of Batamaloo said the youth was hit on the head by a bullet.

Earlier in the day, over 50 students were wounded after security forces fired tear gas shells and pellets outside the Pulwama degree college in south Kashmir.

Locals said clashes erupted between youth and security forces after the personnel set up a checkpost near the college. The students objected to the move and started pelting stones at the men, who retaliated. A pellet victim, who was rushed to Srinagar’s SMHS hospital, said the security forces also barged into college, which escalated the tension.