Student killed during Srinagar protests

SRINAGAR - A Class 12 student was killed during violent protests in the old city area of Srinagar Friday afternoon.

Tufail Ahmad Matoo, 19, died in Rajouri Kadal area where clashes between stone pelting youths and the security forces broke out after Friday prayers.

Police asserted the youth was not killed due to firing by the security forces.

“He had been hit on the head by some hard substance and visibly there was no bullet injury that would definitely have left a burn mark besides an entry and exit wound,” a senior police officer said.

“We have registered a case and are investigating the cause of the youth’s unfortunate death,” he added.

Locals, however, insisted the youth was killed by the security forces.

As the news of the youth’s death spread, dozens of agitated protesters took to the streets in the old city areas.

A mob snatched the weapon of a local policeman and beat him up ruthlessly during the protests.

High tension has gripped the entire area.