Reportedly some masked youths hoisted the ISIS flag during a protest rally following Friday prayers.
The Indian Express reported:
“Eyewitness said that soon after the Friday prayers ended at Jama masjid in the old city, clashes broke out between the protesters and the security personnel in the area. And during the clashes, some youth, who were wearing masks, waved the ISIS flags.”
Reportedly the protesters blocked the road leading to the mosque and pelted the Indian nearby security forces with rocks.
The protests were called by separatist leaders following the murder of a youth by unidentified gunmen Tuesday. Media outlets reported violent protests from different parts of the valley, but there are no reports of any casualties.
The state administration termed the unfurling of the flag as desperate attempts by “anti-nationals” seeking media attention.
The Financial Express quoted Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh as saying:
“Anti-nation people want to grab media attention. This incident should not be given much attention. The required legal action will be taken.”
Former chief minister, Omar Abdullah, dismissed the event as “acts of some idiots,” the Hindustan Times reported.
The territorial dispute over Kashmir started following India’s partition. Indian and Pakistan fought three wars over Kashmir and till date military skirmishes continue over control of the disputed territories.