Post-Prayer Clashes In Sumbal, 6 Cops Injured

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) File Photo: Abid Bhat / KO 

Srinagar : At least six policemen on Friday were injured in clashes that erupted in Sumbal area of Bandipora district after a group of people offered congregational defying the prohibitory orders in place.

The locals in Ganistan village of Sumbal assembled at the Mosque and offered congregational Friday prayers in violation of orders imposed under Section 144CrPC to halt coronavirus spread, news agency KNT reported. A police team quickly reached the area when the news of prayers reached them.

Quoting witnesses, the report says that many people fled from the mosque after seeing police and government officials approaching them. Some people resorted to stone-pelting which left over 6 policemen injured, the report adds.

SDPO Sumbal, Saqib Ghani said that a large number of people defied lockdown orders and pelted stones on police when they were asked to disperse.

'Six policemen suffered injuries in stone pelting. We are trying to identify these miscreants and they will be booked,' he said.

Meanwhile, a police statement issued over the incident claimed that around 200 people had assembled at Jamia Masjid Ganstan to offer Friday Prayers, the report said.

It added that over 16 violators were arrested from the area, as police used mild force to disperse the crowd.