Violence mars Eid in Kashmir, 1 dead

SRINAGAR: A man was killed apparently in a grenade blast during one of several clashes on Saturday between protesters and security forces in Kashmir, marring Eid festivities and prayers. Militants fired at a security forces party at Lasjan on the outskirts of the city, injuring a CRPF Jawan. Constable Dinesh Paswan has been shifted to 92 Base Hosptial at Army’s Badamibagh in Srinagar. The grenade blast which killed a protester took place at Brakpora village in Anantnag district of south Kashmir. “Preliminary investigation reveals that a hand grenade exploded resulting in the death of Sheraz Ahmad due to splinter injuries,” a police spokesman said, referring to the grenade blast incident in Anantnag district.

Ahmad’s right hand was severely damaged, the spokesman said. The police spokesperson said further details are awaited. One person sustained injuries in the clashes in Safakadal area of Srinagar city soon after the prayers, a police official said. Clashes between protestors and law enforcing agencies were reported from Sopore and Kupwara areas in north Kashmir, the official said, adding the situation in other parts of the Valley was peaceful so far.

Meanwhile, Pakistan on Saturday allowed Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed to lead Eidul Fitr prayers at the Qaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Police personnel and Saeed’s own security men were deployed in and outside the stadium to secure the area.