Srinagar, September 29
A general strike called against a Delhi court order to hang Mohammad Afzal Gooru on October 20 paralysed life in Kashmir even as violent protests continued to rock the valley for the third day today.

At least 200 protesters, including women, and activists of several separatist organisations were taken into custody from different parts.

Demonstrators clashed with the police at several places and many parts of Kashmir immediately after Friday prayers. The police resorted to baton-charge and fired teargas shells to disperse protesters.

At least 50 protesters, including women, police personnel and some mediapersons were wounded.

About six photo-journalists, including Tribune’s Amin War and Sajjad Hussain of the AFP were wounded in the clashes between the police and the protesters.

Hurriyat Conference chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani continued to remain under house arrest on the second day today while DFP president Shabir Ahmed Shah and National Front chief Nayeem Ahmed Khan were both placed under house arrest this morning.

Several activists of the breakaway Hurriyat Conference and the JKLF, were wounded after they clashed with one another in Sopore over a public meeting against the verdict.

The clash erupted when Hurriyat activists prevented the JKLF chief from addressing the meeting.

Several hundred JKLF activists and supporters had gathered at the venue where Malik was scheduled to speak.

The heated exchange soon turned violent, resulting in injuries to several activists of the two groups.

Later, Malik changed the venue.

JAMMU: Shiv Sainiks supporting the verdict burnt the effigy of Afzal and demanded action against those leaders who were demanding clemency for him.

Supporters of the two groups of the Shiv Sena, led by Mr Ashok Gupta and Mr Anan Sharma, took out processions and demanded action against PDP and Congress leaders who were demanding mercy for him.

They criticised Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad for seeking mercy for the “terrorist”.

The Bhartiya Janta Yuva Morcha has decided to organise a march here tomorrow in support of the verdict.

Srinagar, September 29
Two militants were among three persons killed in separate incidents in Jammu and Kashmir since yesterday. Security forces apprehended two suspected militants and recovered arms and ammunition during searches.

An unidentified militant was killed in an encounter with the Police and security forces at Wanidoroosa, in Sogam area of Kupwara district this morning. One AK-46 rifle, three magazines, 56-AK rounds and one hand grenade were recovered from the site of encounter.

Militant, Sameer Ahmad Mir, district commander of the Lashkar-e-Toiba, was killed in a clash with the Hizbul Mujahideen militants at Nildoora, Shopian in Pulwama district last night. He had been active in the area and posing as foreign militant, the police said. He had been involved in many incidents including the killing of nine Nepali labourers and injuring four others at Badroo Yaripora on July 12 last.

Unidentified militants shot dead Mubarak of Ali Bhata Dessa, Bakerkund in Doda district yesterday, the police here said.

Security forces apprehended two militants of the Hizbul Mujahideen outfit, Farooq Ahmad Malla and Mohd Sami Bhat alias Gulzar Ahmad Bhat from Arampora Sopore in Baramula district yesterday.