National Conference, BJP workers clash during MLA’s rally in Bandipora

The police have registered a case after several people were injured allegedly in clashes between the supporters of the National Conference (NC) and the BJP in Gurez area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Bandipora district, officials said on Wednesday.

Several people were injured after the rally of Gurez MLA Nazir Ahmad Khan, who is also known as Gurezi, was attacked by a mob in Gujran area of Tulail in the north Kashmir district on Tuesday evening, officials said. They said several vehicles were also damaged in the clashes.

Meanwhile, Gurezi is on a tour of his constituency to thank voters for electing him in the recently concluded JK Assembly elections. On his return to Gujran, which is his opponent BJP leader Faqir Mohammad Khan’s village, he was stopped by the police.

He was told that some people who had gathered there were not letting the vehicles move. “Then, I was taken in a police vehicle which was attacked with stones. They tried to murder me but I escaped.

“My personal vehicle and other vehicles were attacked with stones. Four to five cars were damaged. Many of our people were injured,” he said.

The MLA alleged it was complete hooliganism and he is glad that police have registered a case. “I hope the administration and police will act soon and the culprits will be booked. They were the relatives of my opponent and not common villagers,” he added.

BJP leader Faqir Mohammad Khan’s son Aijaz Ahmad said whatever happened was condemnable. “NC workers provoked BJP supporters in front of their houses and shops and used inflammatory language. “They also pelted stones on our houses and abused women. Then clashes took place. I hold Nazir Khan and his party or hooligans responsible,” he said.