Srinagar, Jan 4, : As authorities impose restrictions in areas falling under the police jurisdiction Zadibal and Rainawari in Srinagar city in view of the ‘Lal Chowk’ chalo march forwarded by certain Shia organizations to protest against the execution of Shia cleric Sheikh Nimr Al-Nimr by Saudi Government, groups of people Monday clashed with police in certain parts of Srinagar city, prompting police to use tear smoke shells.
Eyewitnesses told CNS that group of people from Shia community tried to take out a protest march in Kanikach and Chowdhry Bagh areas of Rainawari, however, police stopped them from proceedings towards main road. Reports said that protesters hurled stones on police, prompting police to burst tear-smoke shells. Similar protests were reported from Saidakadal and Zadibal area where police also used tear-smoke shells to disperse them. Amid anti-Saudi slogans, the people from Shia community organized a protest near Ali Park Zadibal, however, police foiled it and dispersed the protesters.
Shia-majority areas like Budgam, Magam and Khanda also witnessed peaceful protests. In Budgam, National Conference leader Aaga Roohullah addressed protesters. He condemned the execution of Shia cleric. “Killing a scholar just because he would criticize the regime is unjustified and tyrannical,” he said.