Protests erupt amid Eid celebrations in Kashmir

SRINAGAR — Clashes were reported between protesters and government forces from Sopore area of North Kashmir’s Baramulla district even as Eid-ul-Fitr was celebrated across Kashmir on Wednesday.

Witnesses told KNO that soon after the Eid prayers in Jamia masjid, Sopore hundreds of people assembled outside the mosque and started raising pro-freedom and anti-India slogans.

Protesters took to streets immediately after the Eid prayers were over and started raising pro-freedom and anti-India slogans.

However, government forces including police and paramilitary personnel fired teargas shells to disperse them resulting in the clashes. The protesting youths pelted stones on the forces who retaliated with tear smoke shells.

Earlier Clashes also broke out between government forces and protesters in main town Kupwara following Eid Prayers at Markazi Jamia masjid Kupwara. Clashes also broke out at Nowhatta area after Eid prayers.

The festival of Eid was celebrated with much fanfare across the State with people thronging mosques, shrines and Eidgahs for special prayers.