Sopore, May 24: Massive clashes erupted in old town area of Sopore near Jamia Masjid after Friday prayers. The clashes erupted after locals staged protest over the killing of militant commander Zakir Musa.

An eyewitness told KNO that the youth in large number staged protest in the area however the police party deployed in the area tried to chase away the protesting youth, triggering clashes in the area.

During the clashes, the youth fought pitched battles with the government forces. In the clashes the forces resorted to tear gas shelling to disperse the protesters. “ A tear gas shell was lobbed in front of a youth who tried to throw it back towards but the shell got burst in his hand leaving him injured,” an eyewitness said

The injured was rushed to sub district hospital for treatment. “He was given some first aid here and was shifted to SMHS for specialised treatment. He has got severe injuries in his hand and face as well,” BMO Sopore.

The injured was identified as Airfan Ahmad. Clashes were going on in the area when the report was being filed. There are reports of pellet injuries in the clashes as well.