Srinagar: An army vehicle today crushed a nine-year old girl to death in Zainapora area of Shopian district after which massive clashes raged in the area and that left dozens of persons injured. A case has been registered against the army by police.
According to locals, a speedy army vehicle mowed down Aruba Jan in Aglar village of Zainapora today morning. He said that the girl was left in pool of blood and despite being rushed to the hospital, her life couldn’t be saved by doctors. As the news of girl’s death spread in the area, locals came out on the streets and resorted to heavy stone-pelting on forces.
The angry locals also pelted stones on local government offices and were seeking arrest of erring army men. Police tried to pacify the protesters but they were adamant on their demand and later forces used dozens of teargas shells and pellets against the stone-throwing youth. Reports said that around 30 protesters sustained injuries in the clashes.
According to a police official, 14 cops were injured in violent clashes but he added that they exercised maximum restraint despite “grave stone-pelting”. The official said that police have registered a case under FIR number 41/2017 under section 279-304A against army’s 55 RR. He said that the driver of the vehicle has been arrested while the vehicle has also been seized. “Further investigation is going on,” he added.
Meanwhile two youth were injured after an unexploded shell went off at Bamnoo area of Pulwama district. The youth were shifted to hospital for treatment. Pertinently an encounter between militants and forces had taken place in the area on July 3.(GNS)
