Clashes in Srinagar during bandh

Clashes broke out between youths and police as the city observed a complete shutdown today in response to the call given by hardline Hurriyat leaders against alleged illegal occupation of hundreds of hectares of land by troops in Jammu and Kashmir.
    
Irked over imposition of prohibitory orders banning assembling of five or more persons at a place in view of the strike, youths assembled in groups in Maisuma, Batmaloo and Kawadara and pelted stones on police, prompting them to fire tear gas shells, officials said.
    
The police also baton-charged to disperse the crowd, they added.
    
District magistrate MA Kakroo said section 144 CRPC will remain in force for a period of two months.
    
Meanwhile, shops and business establishments, educational institutions and semi-government establishments remained closed and transport kept off the roads during the strike, officials said.