Unidentified body found from Jhelum river

Srinagar, Sept 3 (PTI) The body of an unidentified youthwas today fished out from river Jhelum here, triggering abrief clash between protesters and security forces, disruptingbusiness activities which resumed in and around Lal Chowk thisevening. The body was seen floating in river Jhelum by somepersons near Amirakadal bridge and was immediately fished out,officials said. A police spokesman said preliminary examination of thebody revealed that the deceased was a non-Muslim. "The process of ascertaining the identity of the deceasedand cause of his death is underway," he added. Earlier, some people claimed that the body bore pelletinjuries, causing tension in the area which was abuzz withbusiness activities after the separatists announced a ’12-hourrelaxation’ in the strike from 6 pm. Shopkeepers immediately downed the shutters and startedprotesting against the "murder" of the youth allegedly bysecurity forces. Around 500 persons performed a Namaz-e-Jinazah (funeralprayer for Muslims) at the business centre. On getting information about the body, a police partyrushed to the scene, fired a few teargas shells and removed itfor identification and autopsy, the officials said. As the news spread, the shopkeepers in nearby Lal Chowkand adjoining areas also pulled down the shutters. Officials said reinforcements have been rushed tomaintain law and order. PTI MIJ RCJ SKRCJ