Jammu and Kashmir sectarian clashes: Woman injured in police action dies

SRINAGAR: A woman, injured in security forces action to curb sectarian clashes in Budgam district, succumbed at a hospital, police said.

Fatima, who had sustained grievous head injuries on Tuesday, succumbed to injuries at SKIMS hospital Soura this morning, the police said.

According to sources, the woman was injured when a mob -- armed with knives and swords -- from Dadina village in Budgam attacked police personnel deployed for curbing sectarian clashes in the district.

They said the police personnel were surrounded by the mob armed with sharp edged weapons, which included women also.

In order to ensure the safety of the people living in the area and also to save themselves, the police personnel resorted to lathicharge which resulted in critical injuries to Fatima, the sources added.

The death of the woman has led to a fresh wave of tension in the central Kashmir district which has been under curfew since the clashes began last week.

Although curfew was relaxed for few hours last night, the restrictions are being strictly imposed today as authorities apprehend escalation in tension during the funeral of the deceased woman.

The clashes broke out between the two sects in Galwanpora, Reshipora and Sabdan areas of the district following dispute over the construction of a village road there.