Shutdown, clashes mark last phrase of Lok Sabha elections in Kashmir

Huzaif Riaz

SRINAGAR,(PTK):  A complete shutdown was observed in Pulwama and Shopian districts of South Kashmir on eve of last phrase of Lok Sabha.

According to reports pouring in here from both the districts, all shops and other business establishments remained off while the roads remained deserted. Schools and other government offices also remained shut because of public holiday which was announced in twin districts by the government.

During shutdown, reports of clashes reached PTK from many areas of Shopian and Pulwama while at some places polling booths were attacked.

Pulwama :

As per reports, youth and security forces clashed in Murran area of Pulwama after some youth came out of homes and started marching towards a polling booth. The government forces tried to stop the marching youth after which they were pelted with stones. As the clashes intensified, security forces used teargas smoke shells, pellets to disperse the protesting youth. Despite attempts by security forces to disperse the youth, clashes were on in the area.

In Tral, youth and government forces clashed at multiple places. Youth came out on streets in Wagad and Gulshanpora areas of Tral, hundreds of youth hit streets and pelted stone on security forces who used teargas shells to disperse them. In Bathnoor area of Tral, unknown men threw a petrol bomb on polling station which caused no demage.

Clashes also erupted in Parigam and nearby areas of Pulwama. During these clashes Zahid Ahmad suffered pellet injuries.

Shopian :

Massive clashes were reported from Batmurran area of Shopian. As per reports, youth pelted stones on government forces who responded with teargas shelling. Reportedly four youth sustained minor injuries during these clashes.

Clashes were also reported from several other places in Shopian district including Pinjoora and Palpora.

Reports said that youth pelted stones on security forces in Kakahalam area of Shopian to which forces responded with teargas shelling.

Unknown persons late Monday afternoon threw a grenade on Government Higher Secondary School Shopian however it caused no damage.

Till now there was no loss of life reported from any part of South Kashmir.