Handwara, Apr 07 (KNS): Two civilians were injured due to accidental discharge of weapon during a scuffle between army troops and few individuals outside Jamia Masjid Handwara on Thursday afternoon, Army said here.
In a statement, issued Kashmir News Service (KNS), a defence spokesperson said that troops of 21 RR were on routine patrol in Handwara town.
“In view of Iftar party planned by the army near Town Chowk, the troops at about 1.30 PM took few photos of Jamia Masjid Handwara to showcase happiness & offering of prayers during the holy month of Ramzan,” reads the statement.
It reads that thereafter they requested a local to get few photos from inside. “It is when the local person was going to take photos, some rogue elements protested, and instigated others to get into an altercation with the troops.”
It further reads that while attempting to pacify them, two-three individuals got into a scuffle with the troops wherein there was an accidental discharge of the weapon, injuring two civilians identified as Abdul Ahad Mir of Rajwar & Mujeeb Ah Sofi of Handwara.
“The crowd was pacified & police in the vicinity arrived to control the situation jointly. The crowd was subsequently dispersed and market was opened for routine activity.”
The statement reads that both the injured civilians were evacuated to district hospital Handwara and are reported stable. (KNS)