Clashes broke out in Srinagar on Friday between police and people protesting against the Jammu and Kashmir high court order to implement 150-year-old law banning sale of beef in the state with some youth displaying Pakistani and ISIS flags.
After Friday prayers, a group of masked youth set ablaze the tricolor and displayed several controversial flags including that of IS, Al-Jehad terror outfits and banners resembling Pakistani flag near the historic Jamia Masjid in Nowhatta area of downtown Srinagar.
They also carried posters of Lashkar-e-Tayiba founder Hafiz Saeed and Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Muzaffar.
Some protesters also pelted stones at police personnel posted on law and order duty in the area. Police fired tear smoke shells to disperse them, a police official said.
There were no reports of any injuries.
The clashes were going on till reports last come in, the official said.
The Jammu and Kashmir high court, invoking a 150-year-old law, has directed the police to ensure that there is no sale of beef anywhere in the state and that strict action is taken against those who violate the law.
Meanwhile, several bovine animals were reportedly slaughtered in south Kashmir's Anantnag district as a mark of protest against the high court order.
Image: A policeman loading teargas shells to fire towards stone throwing youth during a clash following a protest over ban on beef by J&K high court, at Nowhatta in Srinagar on Friday.
Photograph: S Irfan/PTI Photo
