Several injured after protest against water scarcity turns violent in Pattan

Srinagar, July 19: Local residents from Chainbal Pattan in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district staged a protest on Friday morning, blocking the Srinagar-Baramulla highway to demand a solution to the ongoing water scarcity in their village. The peaceful demonstration escalated into violence, leading to several injuries and significant damage to vehicles.

Eyewitnesses told Kashmir Dot Com that from early morning, villagers obstructed the highway, calling for an immediate water supply. Despite initial efforts by the police to mediate, tensions rose, and protesters began pelting stones. In response, law enforcement resorted to lathi charges and tear gas shelling to disperse the crowd.

“They blocked the Srinagar-Baramulla highway for several hours, demanding water supply to the village, they said adding that, after some consultation, the police tried to resolve the issue, but the protest turned violent, with demonstrators resorting to stone pelting."

The clash left numerous individuals, including drivers, injured, and caused damage to many vehicles.

In this incident, BJP Media Incharge Kashmir, Adv. Sajid Yousuf Shah, and Social Media Incharge, Er. Sahil Bashir Bhat, were attacked by an unidentified mob in the area. Their PSOs were also injured in the assault. Police have launched an investigation into the attack. The injured have been rushed to the nearby hospital where they are being treated.

A police officer confirmed the incident and said that a case is being registered regarding the incident and further investigation is going on. (KDC)