6 injured in clashes in Kashmir's Pulwama district

SRINAGAR: At least six persons were injured today in clashes with police in Tral area of Pulwama district during protests over the killing of a youth in an army operation with the locals claiming that the deceased was a civilian and security forces maintaining he was a militant.

Hundreds of persons started pelting stones on the personnel of law enforcing agencies in Tral area after the funeral of Khalid Muzaffar, who was killed allegedly in the army operation in forest area near Buchoo village of Tral, police officials said.

Security forces fired tear smoke shells and pellet guns to chase away the protesters, resulting in minor injuries to six persons, the officials said.

They said all the six injured were given first aid at a local hospital and discharged.

The clashes were going on till reports last came in, the officials said.

The protesters have alleged that the youth was not involved in militancy and was killed by the army in a fake encounter.

The army, however, has claimed that the slain youth was a militant.

A defence spokesperson, in a statement yesterday, said two AK rifles and other war-like stores were recovered from the possession of the slain youth.

Meanwhile, hardline Hurriyat Conference headed by Syed Ali Shah Geelani has called for a shutdown in Tral and adjoining areas tomorrow to protest against the killing.