Thousands gathered to stage pro-Pakistan and anti-India demonstrations in Srinagar and other parts of Indian Kashmir on the first day of Eidul Fitr with some youth clashing with security forces, amid reports that Pakistani flags had also been unfurled.
Veteran Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Geelani had on July 17 called for peaceful protests after Eid prayers against the Indian occupation of the territory to mark accession day.
On Saturday, soon after Eidul Fitr prayers had ended, many Kashmiris staged protests in Srinagar, Bandipore, Shopian, Islamabad, Sopore, Kupwara, Budgam, Kulgam, Pulwama, Kishtwar and Budgam. The protesters shouted slogans against India and in favour of freedom and also unfurled Pakistani flags. Matters soon escalated as some protesters clashed with security forces in Srinagar and Anantnag. Indian forces fired tear gas at the protesters to disperse them while the latter pelted stones at the Indian personnel.
Local police confirmed that Pakistani flags had been unfurled, Indian Express reported. Inspector General of Police Kashmir Javid Mujtaba Gilani said that they had “registered a case after a Pakistani flag was raised inside the Eidgah ground”.
Indian authorities placed Hurriyat leaders Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and others under house arrest, barring them from joining the congregational Eid prayers.
“Mirwaiz was to offer the Eid sermon, as has been a tradition for centuries,” a Hurriyat spokesperson said, Hindustan Times reported. ”Not allowing the Mirwaiz to offer prayers is a deliberate interference with his religious duties.”
The Mirwaiz was not allowed to leave his Srinagar residence on Saturday and had to address the congregation over the phone.
“There is no option but to address the Kashmir issue in accordance with the aspirations of the people,” Farooq told the gathering. ”Both India and Pakistan should initiate meaningful dialogue over Kashmir.”
