Youth dies, protest in downtown

Srinagar, May 26, 2009: Business and other activities in the downtown came to halt this afternoon after a youth, who was injured critically after being hit by teargas shells of scurity on Friday, died in the hospital.  Official sources said shops and business establishments were closed after the news about the death of Arif Ayub spread in the downtown and Shehar-e-Khas (SeK). Youths again took to streets after hearing the news at Ganderpora Eidgah, raising pro-freedom slogans.

Additional security forces were rushed to the downtown and SeK to foil any attempt to disrupt peace.

Arif was hit by a teargas shell in the head in the downtown on Friday where people, demanding release of detainees, clashed with the security forces.

Breakaway Hurriyat Conference (HC) spokesman Aiyaz Akbar has strongly condemned the killing of Arif.

He criticised the security forces for using force against peaceful processionists in the valley.

He said Mr Geelani was arrested as the authorities were knowing about the condition of Arif. This was to prevent him from going Eidgah to join his Nimaz Jinazah, he said.    UNI