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Clashes erupt in Indian-controlled Kashmir to mourn civilian killing in police firing

Xinhua, February 10, 2015 Adjust font size:

Fresh clashes broke out in Indian-controlled Kashmir Tuesday after the funeral of a civilian killed in police firing, officials said.

Hundreds of people on Tuesday morning gathered at Palhallan of Pattan town, about 30 km northwest of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir, to mourn the killing of 20- year-old Farooq Ahmad Bhat and participate in his funeral prayers.

Bhat was killed Monday evening when police chased people in the Palhallan village protesting hanging of Mohammed Afzal Guru two years back and demanding return of his mortal remains.

A senior separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani addressed the mourners over telephone and condemned the Indian authorities for the civilian killing.

The mourners were shouting "Go India, Go back!" and "We want freedom" as they laid Bhat to rest at a local graveyard.

Following Bhat's burial, angry young protesters threw brickbats to vent their anger over the killing on Indian police and paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) deployed by the authorities to stop protests.

The government forces fired dozens of tear smoke shells to chase protesters.

"Clashes broke out today in response to the killing of a civilian in police firing," Naseer Ahmad, a local resident said. " We want the government to punish these trigger happy policemen."

Separatists demanding end of New Delhi's rule in Indian- controlled Kashmir have called for a day-long strike in the restive region to protest the killing.

A police spokesman regretted the killing of Bhat and said he was killed during a law and order problem in the area, while as locals said policemen fired on Bhat (who was not part of protests) without any provocation.

The authorities, meanwhile, on Tuesday imposed restrictions and deployed police and paramilitary personnel to prevent protest demonstrations.

"We have decided to impose restrictions in old city on Tuesday, " Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Farooq Ahmad Lone told a local newspaper.

"The curfew will remain imposed in areas falling under Police Stations of Rainawari, Khanyar, Nowhatta, Mahraj Jung, SafaKadal and Maisuma."

Reports said restrictions were also imposed in Palhalan and Sopore areas. Endi