Srinagar, (UNI): Intense protests broke out in Kashmir’s Budgam district on Tuesday after security forces allegedly burnt a photograph of an Iranian military commander, Major General Qassem Soleimani, who was killed in a US drone attack in 2020, witnesses said.
Police, however, said the protests followed “misbehaviour” by security forces in a village and the allegation was being probed.
But witnesses said protests and clashes erupted int Malbuchan village after soldiers were accused of burning a picture of Soleimani they found from a house.
“The burning triggered anger and protests immediately broke out,” a resident said, adding clashes followed between security forces and the residents.
On January 3, 2020, Soleimani, 62, an Iranian military general, was assassinated by the US at the Baghdad international airport. Soleimani then commanded the Quds Force, one of the five branches of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and was considered the second most powerful person in Iran.
Police said at about 1 pm people of the village held a protest alleging that a group of security forces misbehaved with locals.
“Senior police and civil officers visited the spot and talked to the locals. The officers assured the locals that the allegations are being inquired into and necessary action shall be taken,” a police statement said. “Traffic is restored and the situation is under control.”
