Srinagar in turmoil over youth’s death

SRINAGAR - Angry youths clashed with security forces here in Jammu and Kashmir Saturday following the death of a student they allege was killed in a street protest a day earlier.

The young men hurled stones at police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in several areas including Narwara, Rainawari, Nawa Kadal, Bimina, Batmaloo, Sonawar, Natipora, Abi Guzar and Hari Singh High Street.

Police used batons and tear gas to disperse the mobs, which would repeatedly run into the narrow streets and reappear to again attack the security personnel.

The heightened tensions in Srinagar followed the death of a 19-year-old student, Tufail Ahmad Matto. He died in the Rajouri Kadal area of the Old City during clashes with security forces after Friday prayers.

Residents alleged that the student was killed by the security forces. But the police maintain that the student was mysteriously murdered and that they were investigating the incident.

“We are investigating the youth’s unfortunate death and facts will soon be brought to light,” a police officer said.

Authorities imposed strict curfew-like restrictions in areas falling under five police stations in the Old City and in uptown Maisuma locality in a desperate bid to curb the violence.

Hardline separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani was taken into preventive custody from his uptown Hyderpora residence in the morning and shifted to the Humhama police station.

“Strict instructions have been issued to the police and CRPF to exercise utmost restraint while dealing with the protests,” an officer added.