Minor boy suffers pellet injury in Pulwama clashes

PULWAMA — A 9-year-old boy suffered pellet injury in an eye as government forces on Thursday resorted to pellet firing and teargas shelling amid a cordon-and-search-operation launched in Karimabad area in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district.

Sources said that soon after the militants attacked a police party near Prichoo, leading to the killing of a police Head Constable and critical injuries to another one, a joint team of Police, Army and CRPF launched a CASO in adjoining areas including Karimabad.

However, clashes ensued with scores of youth pelting stones at the uniformed personnel. The latter fired teargas canisters and pellet munitions to disperse the protesters, sources and eyewitnesses said. While a few protesters were injured, a pellet hit the minor in his eye and he was removed to nearby sub district hospital.

A doctor on duty at SDH Pulwama said the boy has suffered corneal injury and was shifted to SHMS hospital having an advanced ophthalmology facility. A youth was also arrested while other injured were treated locally, they said.

“Unruly mob pelted stones on security forces with an intention to disrupt lawful duties and assault on security forces personnel. They were dispersed,” SSP Pulwama, Ashish Mishra said.

Meanwhile, after several hours, the joint party of Police, Army and the CRPF called off the CASO in the area at late evening.