Srinagar, August 31: A stray bullet aimed at dispersing a stone-throwing mob of Kashmiris killed an 11-year-old boy sparking violent protests across the city.
Over 20 people were injured in the violent protests following the death of the young boy.
Nearly 60 people have died in violent demonstrations and clashes between security forces and protesters in region since June this year.
The incident took place in Anantnag after hundreds of residents ran berserk during a protest. Security forces fired teargas and aerial shots to disperse the crowd. In the chaos, the 11-year-old boy was killed and 15 others were injured, said a police officer.
As the news of the boy’s death spread, thousands in neighbouring towns and villages held angry protests, forcing government forces to retreat from the area.
Fierce clashes between government forces and the protesters also erupted in the neighbouring town of Pulwama, police said.
Local people attacked a police station with rocks, forcing government forces to fire guns to quell the protest. At least two people were critically wounded in the firing, the officer said.
-Agencies