Youth dies during clashes with police; Srinagar tense

Tension gripped the old city area of Srinagar on Sunday evening after a youth died during clashes between policemen and protestors.

Groups of slogan shouting youth took to the streets in Rajouri Kadal, Gojiwara and Kawdara areas of old city on Sunday afternoon, pelting stones at the police and Central Reserve Police Force troopers.

During the ensuing clash, a 17-year old youth was hit by a tear smoke shell on his head, when the police and the CRPF intervened to restore order in the old city.

The youth was immediately carried to Soura medical institute where he succumbed to his injuries later in the evening.

As news of the youth's death reached the old city, protestors gathered in various localities and indulged in heavy stone pelting on the security forces.

Decurity forces used repeated baton charges and tear smoke to disperse the youth, who were shouting pro-freedom slogans.

The youth, however, continued to re-group in lanes and by-lanes, leading to more clashes.

The body of the youth was taken to the police control room for identification.

Authorities moved in fresh reinforcements to the affected areas to control the situation.