Two die during protests in Srinagar

SRINAGAR: One person was killed when security personnel allegedly opened fire at a stone-pelting mob protesting the death of a man after falling into a drain during a demonstration in Batamaloo area of the city.

Police today said the protest began in the area late last night when a group of men started throwing stones at a security contingent.

The protestors were chased by security personnel and one of them identified as Muzaffar Ahmad fell in the drain and his body was later fished out.

This triggered a fresh round of protests this morning with a mob hurling stones at CRPF and local police present in the area. The security personnel opened fire after lobbing tear gas shells when they were surrounded by protesters from all sides, leading to the death of Fayaz Ahmad Wani, a police spokesman said.

Wani hailed from Gangbug area of the city, the spokesman said.

The situation in the area was tense and additional police forces were rushed to the area.

In view of the situation, authorities announced closure of schools and educational institutions in the city today.

Markets also remained closed. Kashmir had witnessed violent protests following the killing of youths allegedly in firing by security forces.