Day after encounter, mobs go on rampage

A day after killing of a militant in an encounter, mobs today went on rampage and clashed with security forces in parts of Kulgam district of Kashmir where a spontaneous strike was observed to mourn the death of the ultra.
A 16-year-old boy suffered serious pellet injuries on the face and abdomen in the clashes while a mob set ablaze a government quarter as part of protest against the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen militant Dawood Ahmad Sheikh in an overnight encounter with security forces.
The clashes broke out at Khudwani near Qoimoh, about 60 kms from here, after the funeral prayers of the slain militant, a police officer said.

He said security forces resorted to teargas shelling and also used pellet guns after a mob indulged in stone-pelting on the deployments.
The boy was referred to Srinagar for specialised treatment and was admitted in SMHS hospital, the officer said.
He said a group of youth also entered the Agriculture farm in the village and set ablaze a staff quarter.

However, no one was injured in the arson, the officer said adding the fire was later put off and the protesters chased away.
The local administration had deployed police and paramilitary forces in strength in the sensitive areas, fearing law and order situation during the funeral procession, officials said.

However, thousands of people attended the funeral prayers of the militant who was laid to rest at a graveyard in his native village of Qoimoh.
Officials said the situation in the town is tense but under control.