Fire in Muslim Shrine Evokes Massive Protests in Kashmir

By Fayaz Wani

Srinagar, July 5: Fire in a Muslim shrine in Srinagar evoked massive protests in Kashmir. At least 50 protestors and policemen were injured in the day-long clashes.

Residents of Soura, some 10 kms from Srinagar said that fire broke out in the shrine - Jenab Sahib Soura - which houses the relic of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) - on Saturday afternoon.

"At 12.45 pm, a powerful blast took place inside the shrine. It caused the fire, which spread fast," said an eye witness, Mohammad Yousuf.

After seeing the flames, people from the area rushed to the shrine to douse the fire. The firemen were also pressed into service and it took the firemen and locals at least two hours to douse the fire.

The locals and management of the mosque said that the relics of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in the shrine were totally safe. "They were housed in another building," said the management of the shrine.

The locals said that the mine had been planted inside the shrine by the soldiers, who were guarding the religious place. "Police and para-military personnel are guarding the shrine round the clock from two different directions. They might have placed the explosive device inside the shrine," said the locals.

People in hundreds including females protested against the blast and fire in the shrine. Raising pro-Pakistan and anti-India slogans, the protestors accused the soldiers of carrying out the blast. They were demanding a thorough probe into the incident.

Police and para-military personnel fired dozens of tear gas shells and resorted to cane charge to disperse the agitating people. The clashes between the police and protestors continued throughout the day, during which 50 people including some police and para-military personnel were injured.

A senior police officer while giving clean chit to security forces, said that they have launched investigations. "After visiting the spot, I am of the view that the fire was not caused by an explosion," he said.

He, however, said that it was too early to speculate anything.

Fayaz Wani reports on life in Srinagar, Kashmir.