Srinagar: Massive clashes broke out in several parts of Kashmir Valley today after the Friday congregational prayers injuring a minor Aqib Ahmad. Aqib, according to locals lost four teeth after hit by a stone in Tral of South Kashmir. Stone pleting in  Baramulla

Reports said that as soon the prayers culminated, large number of youth in restive Tral of South Kashmir attacked the CRPF bunker of 185 Batallion near police station with stones and rocks. Eye witnesses said that the fierce clashes are taking place in main town amidst pro freedom and anti India slogans. In other parts of South Kashmir, the clashes are taking place at Mattan, Achabal, Bijbhera, Qazigund after large number of people took to the streets and shouted pro freedom slogans. Witnesses told The Legitimate that clashes started after large contingents of police and paramilitary forces stopped the people from taking the rallies. In north Kashmir’s Sopore town massive rally took place from Jamia Masjid to main Chowk after the Friday Congregational prayers. As soon the rally reaches main chowk amidst pro freedom and anti India slogans, the protesters pelted stones over the bunker of 179 Batallion of CRPF. However, the police forces while containing the protests fired numerous tear gas shells to quell the protesters. The market remained shut and the traffic was also off the road. The protests were also reported from Delina in Baramulla and several other places.In Hajin town of Bandipora, the youth have reportedly hoisted the Green colour flag after the Friday prayers. Witnesses said that scores of youth indulged in stone pelting and attempted to take rally after hoisting the flag. However, as the police tried to remove the Pakistani Flag, the youth pelted stones towards them triggering clashes.   The clashes were continuing in the township till last reports poured in. In Baramulla, town, the clashes are taking place near police station at main Chowk. Scores of youth are hurling rocks and stones to the riot gear police who in retaliation fire tear smoke shells to disperse them.  Violent clashes were reported from Palhalan area of Pattan town in North Kashmir’s Baramulla district. Groups of youth tried to block Srinagar-Baramulla road, however, police swung into action and fired tear-smoke shells to disperse the protesters.

Clashes also broke out in Hyderpora where protesters resorted to stone-pelting. Police bursted tear-smoke shells to disperse the protesters. The clashes disrupted the vehicular movement in the areas for some time.

Police arrested three youth for their alleged involvement in stone-pelting in Kanikadal area of old Srinagar city. A police official said that youth attacked police deployment with stones in Kanikadal. Police swung into action and apprehended three youth whom he identified as Taseer Rashid, Showkat Ahmed, and Muhammad Mohsin. However, the family members of these youth alleged that they were picked up by police from their houses.

Meanwhile, the police spokesman said that overall situation in the valley remained peaceful today with stray incidents of stone pelting in Achabal, Qaimoh, Tral, Imam-Sahib, Hyderpora, Kawdara and Palhalan. One boy namely Adil of Padgampora, Awantipora got injured in Imam Sahib Shopian when he picked up an unexploded tear smoke shell causing burn injuries in his hand. He has been hospitalized and is stable.

Dozens of Moharum procession were taken out today in many parts of the valley which were attended by thousands of mourners. Police had made elaborate security arrangements to facilitate these religious congregations.

(With inputs from Irshad Kar,Showkat Jan, Ghulam Hassan and CNS)