Nocturnal clashes rock Budgam village; locals accuse forces of ‘vandalism’

Srinagar: Nocturnal clashes erupted in Goripora village of Beerwah in Central Kashmir’s Budgam district after government forces raided the village in a bid to arrest youth.

Local residents said that government forces raided the village at around 12 am “with an aim to detain youths”, however, as they jumped over the walls of some house, the residents raised alarm, following which the villagers came out and pelted stones on the forces resulting in nocturnal clashes.

They said that the government forces used tear smoke shells to disperse the people.

The locals alleged that after the raid was foiled by the local residents, the Government forces resorted to vandalisation of property and smashed private vehicles and windowpanes some houses.

Meanwhile, a senior police official refuted the allegations f vandalism and said that the forces were in the village for a cordon and search operation. He said that the residents pelted stones on the forces resulting in clashes. “There was nothing like vandalism.”