Protests, clashes against awarding Major Leetul Gogoi

Srinagar: Protests and clashes erupted on Friday at a few places against the commendation to Army officer Major Leetul Gogoi who tied a Kashmiri civilian to his jeep on Srinagar by-poll day in Budgam district.

The protest call after Friday congregational prayers was given by the joint resistance leadership including Hurriyat (G) chairman, Syed Ali Geelani, Hurriyat (M) chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and JKLF chief, Muhammad Yasin Malik in their joint statement.

As soon as the Friday congregational prayers ended at Srinagar’s Jamia masjid, the Hurriyat (M) chairman led a protest march inside the Masjid.

The protesters amid pro-freedom sloganeering were holding placards reading ‘Why is UN and ICJ silent, Punish the war criminal, we want justice’. The protesters were demanding action against the Army Major Leetul Gogoi who tied a youth to his jeep.

Mirwaiz while leading the protest made a “fervent appeal” to the United Nations, UNHRC, ICJ, and international human rights bodies to take strong note and play their role in preventing Indian military from committing “heinous war crimes against Kashmiri civilians”.

Meanwhile, clashes erupted between youth and forces in Nowhatta area of Srinagar today. Witnesses said that a few youth were injured during the clashes in the area.

In Sopore town of Baramulla district, locals staged protest against the commendation to the Army officer. Eye-witnesses said that scores of youth assembled near Markazi Jamia Masjid area of Sopore and raised anti-India slogans.

However, police swung into action and used tear gas canisters to disperse the youth, triggering clashes in the area.

A senior police official said that barring protests and minor clashes, the situation across the Valley remained peaceful. (KNS)