Srinagar: In occupied Kashmir, clashes broke out today, near the venue of the ‘Big Kashmir Marathon’ at Hazratbal in Srinagar, Kashmir Media Service (KMS).
The twenty-one-kilometer marathon was to begin from Naseem Bagh at Kashmir University and go along the scenic Dal Lake. Media reports said that youth shouted slogans in favor of freedom and pelted rocks on the forces guarding the venue in the varsity.
Police and paramilitary forces fired teargas shells on protesters at Habak crossing near the venue. “The marathon has been turned into a disaster,” a protester said. “Pakistan flags were also raised at the venue.”
The clashes, they said, were going on at the time of filing of this report.
Organizers said the aim of the marathon, in which professional runners from outside India also participated, was to promote healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the need to protect dying water bodies. However, everything took a worse turn for India when the participants started shouting pro-freedom and Pro-Pakistan slogans.