Protesters, security forces clash after Eid prayers in Kashmir, 1 girl shot dead

Srinagar: Clashes between protestors and security forces were reported after Eid prayers in some parts of Kashmir on Wednesday, officials said.

The festival of Eid was celebrated with much fanfare across the state with people thronging mosques, shrines and Eidgahs to offer prayers on the culmination of the holy moth of Ramzan.

Clashes broke out in some parts of the old city between protestors and security forces after Eid prayers. Similar clashes were reported in Sopore in north Kashmir and Anantnag in south Kashmir, the officials said.

In Nowhatta area of the city, masked protestors reportedly held banners in support of banned Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar and slain militant commander Zakir Musa. However, police officials said they are verifying the veracity of these reports.  

Security forces exercised maximum restraint while dealing with the law and order situation, they said. The situation elsewhere in the valley remained peaceful, they said.

The biggest gathering of devotees was witnessed at Hazratbal shrine where thousands of faithful offered the Eid prayers, officials said.

Jamia Masjid at Nowhatta in the old city also witnessed a huge crowd. People also thronged to Sonawar and Soura shrines in the heart of the city, they said, adding similar gatherings were held at all districts headquarters and major towns of the valley.

In a bid to disrupt peace, the demonstrators chanted slogans and clashed with police personnel on duty in Srinagar's near Jama Masjid, soon after Eid prayers.

Security personnel, however, practiced maximum restraint.

The miscreants, mostly youngsters, had their faces covered and pelted stones on security personnel, who were trying to disperse them.

Attempting to legitimise terrorists Hafiz Saeed, Masood Azhar and Zakir Musa, they held posters with their photos and placards saying "Kashmir Banega Pakistan" and "Musa Army".

It is unfortunate that the conclusion of Ramzan's holy month is being defiled by such negative elements. Similar anti-national activities were seen in August last year on the occasion of Eid-Al-Adha.

Earlier in the day, a girl was shot dead by terrorists in Srinagar while a boy is critical.