Injured youth admitted in SMHS hospital
Srinagar, Oct 13: Angered by alleged thrashing of two local youth by the army, Rawalpora residents came on streets and staged a massive protest against what they called high handedness of the men in uniform.
Locals said that two local motorcycle borne youth identified as Shahid Ashraf Dar (20) son of Mohammad Asharf Dar and Zahid Ahmad Bhat (21) son of Abdul Ahad, were stopped by the army personnel and were beaten mercilessly which angered the locals. Both the youth have been shifted to SMHS hospital Srinagar for treatment.
Shahid is said to have received serious injuries and is said to be in an unconscious state, while Zahid has received injuries in his right foot.
Subsequently men and women including children came on Sanat Nagar-Rangreth road and erected roadblocks to stop the traffic. They raised slogans against the forces personnel, alleging that harassing common people in the name of regulating traffic has become a routine for them.
The protest resulted in a huge traffic jam on either side with long queues of vehicles waiting for hours, for the protest to end.
Meanwhile, no military traffic was seen on the route seemingly as a precautionary measure to avoid any untoward incident, however concerned army commandant arrived at the scene, along with police officials to pacify the protestors.
Later, when the protestors were assured by the Army Commanding Officer of action against the personnel involved in the thrashing of youth, the protestors called off their protest and dispersed peacefully.
Subsequently traffic on both sides was restored. (KDC)
