SRINAGAR: A youth was killed and a girl injured allegedly in firing by security forces during clashes with stone-pelting protestors in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district today, the police said.
However, a defence spokesperson said during a patrol by Army personnel, a mob gathered there and started hurling stones, forcing them to resort to aerial firing after giving a verbal warning.
They then extricated themselves and continued with their patrol, he said.
According to the police, a mob started throwing stones at Army personnel in Nowpora of Pulwama district.
As the stone-pelting became intense, Army personnel allegedly opened fire in which two persons were injured, a police official said, adding Waqas Ahmad succumbed to his injuries at a hospital while Ruqaya Bano is undergoing treatment.
A defence spokesperson said, "The road at Nowpora was blocked due to three to four cars being parked on the wrong side.
Army personnel got off their vehicle to request the drivers to move the cars.
" On seeing the Army personnel, a huge crowd gathered at the site and started throwing stones at them, the spokesperson said.
"The troops cautioned the crowd verbally.
However, the crowd turned violent and tried to overpower the troops.
Army personnel resorted to aerial firing, extricated themselves and continued with their patrol," he added.
PTI MIJ NSD NSD 06152101 NNNN
PM Narendra Modi takes stock of situations in Jammu and Kashmir
The charges in the UN report on Situation of Human Rights in Kashmir
Jammu and Kashmir: Video shot before killing of Pulwama army jawan circulated on social media
Slain Kashmir journalist Shujaat Bukhari given tearful burial, J-K Police arrest one suspect