Lecturer killed, 18 others injured in clashes with security forces in IHK

A lecturer was killed and 18 others were injured in clashes between security forces and protesters who were opposing a search operation in Khrew area of Pulwama district in Indian-held Kashmir where curfew and restrictions remained in force for the 41st day on Thursday.

Shabir Ahmad Monga, a contractual lecturer, died when he and several others were beaten up at Khrew late last night, a police official said.

He said 18 other persons, mostly youths, have been admitted to a hospital here.

According to the locals, the army conducted house to house searches for the youths who were leading protests in the area late last night which was resisted by the residents of Khrew. In the ensuing clash, 30-year-old Monga died.

An army official said they were collecting details about the incident and will soon issue a statement.

Curfew remained in force in entire Srinagar district, Anantnag town and Pampore police station, which includes Khrew area, while restrictions continued on the movement of the people in rest of the Valley.

Normal life has been paralysed in the Valley due to street protests since the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in an encounter with security forces.