A subdued Eid was celebrated across Kashmir Valley on Saturday as violence continued to overcast traditional festivity. One civilian was killed in clashes with security forces in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district while reports of clashes poured in from several other areas. A paramilitary CRPF man was injured on Srinagar outskirts when terrorists attacked their post.

Conflicting versions emerged on the death of a youngster Sheraz Ahmad Naikoo, who was hit with splinters soon after clashes emerged in south Kashmir’s Anantnag town after the culmination of Eid congregational prayers. While locals blamed that Naikoo was hit with pellets fired by riot police to control stone pelting at Ashajipora locality.

The hospital authorities confirmed that Naikoo was hit by pellets in his neck and throat and was no longer breathing when he was brought to the health facility.

However, police refuted the reports that Naikoo died with pellets.

“Preliminary investigation reveals that a hand grenade exploded resulting in the death of one Sheraz Ahmad due to splinter injuries and his right hand got fully damaged. Further details are being ascertained,” police said.

Sources said that scores of youth and policemen sustained injuries during the clashes. Many injured youngsters were shifted to Srinagar for treatment. The policemen have been hit with stones thrown by protesters.

The killing took place a day after another youngster was shot dead by security forces in Lassipora village of Pulwama district on Friday.

Protests were held in several pockets of the southern district against the killing.

A paramilitary personnel was injured when terrorists attacked a post guarding a vital bridge at Lasjan on the outskirts of Srinagar city.

Meanwhile, Eid was celebrated across the Valley amid continued fear and resentment against killings at the hands of known and unknown perpetrators of violence. Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti offered Eid prayers at Ziarat Syed Sahib in Sonwar area of Srinagar. She later drove to Kreeri township of Baramulla to offer condolences to the family of slain senior journalist Shujaat Bukhari who was shot dead by unknown assailants on June 14 outside his office in Srinagar along with two bodyguards. Mehbooba assured the family that Bukhari’s killers would be brought to justice. Police have claimed that they arrested yet another suspect in the murder case.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, one of the most prominent separatist leaders, was allowed to take part in Eid prayers at Eidgah in old Srinagar. In a message he wrote that this was after eight years that he was allowed to offer Eid prayers at Srinagar Eidgah. The authorities, however, did not allow veteran separatist leaders Syed Ali Geelani to venture out of his home to offer Eid prayers.

Courtesy: The Pioneer, Sunday, 17 June 2018 | Khursheed Wani | Srinagar