Security forces open fire in Srinagar, 21 injured

At least 21 people were injured when CRPF personnel opened fire on protesters in Habba Kadal area in Srinagar.

At least 21 people, including a journalist, were injured when CRPF personnel opened fire on a group of protesters in Habba Kadal area in Srinagar, leading to a stampede like situation, official sources said.

CRPF personnel opened fire when thousands of protesters, demanding removal of the paramilitary force from the area and deployment of local police, refused to call off their stir.

Two persons with bullet injuries were shifted to the nearby SMHS hospital while a cameraman of a private television channel was among the others injured in teargas shelling and resultant stampede, the sources said.

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The residents of the area have been on a sit-in near the Habbakadal bridge since yesterday after CRPF personnel beat two youth and injured them severely, they said.

The protesters took part in the Friday prayers on the road and vowed not to call off their dharna till the CRPF personnel were removed from the area.

So far, 22 people have been killed and over 700, including nearly 200 police and paramilitary personnel, injured in firing by security forces and clashes in the Valley since Monday.

On Thursday, one person died in CRPF firing at Safakadal area.