Over 50 students wounded in clash with security forces

Over 50 students were wounded after security forces fired tear gas shells and pellets outside the Pulwama degree college in south Kashmir on Saturday.

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 security forces, who retaliated with pellets and tear gas.

A pellet victim, who was rushed to Srinagar’s SMHS hospital, said the security forces also barged into the college, which escalated the tension.

“The clashes were going on outside and we were in the class, thinking we are safe. But then the forces climbed a gate of the college from the stadium side and fired pellets,” he said.

The police control room in Pulwama said protesters had pelted stones near the college and senior police officers were assessing the situation on the spot.

Health officials said the number of wounded was on the rise.

“We treated at least 54 people with pellet and tear gas shell injuries. Three critically injured people have been referred to Srinagar. The injured students are still coming to the hospital,” said Pulwama’s chief medical officer Dr Talat Jabeen.

She said several girl students of the college, who fainted after they inhaled toxic gas, were also treated at the hospital.

We treated at least 54 people with pellet and tear gas shell injuries. Three critically injured people have been referred to Srinagar. The injured are still coming to the hospital.