1 killed during power shortage protests, 5 CISF men arrested in Kashmir

A young man was killed on the spot and two others injured when Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel opened fire today to disperse protesters agitated over power shortage in Boniyar area of Baramulla district in the Kashmir Valley. Five personnel of the CISF allegedly involved in the firing incident outside the NHPC-run Uri power project at Boniyar, 90 kms from Srinagar, have been arrested while the state government lodged a protest with the Union Home Ministry. The victim was identified as Altaf Ahmad Sood (25), who died on the spot, police said. 70-year-old Abdul Majid Khan and 25-year-old Parvaiz Ahmad Khan sustained injuries, it added. A group of around 500 persons staged protests outside the power plant this morning against recurring electricity shortage in the area, pti reported quoting official sources as said. As the protesters, demanding regular electricity supply, marched towards the main gate of the power plant, CISF personnel guarding the complex allegedly opened fire, the sources said. The sources said the firing incident led to tension in the area as residents in the area gathered outside the plant demanding arrest of the CISF personnel responsible for the death of Sood. An official spokesman said the Government, while regretting the incident, has taken a serious view and lodged a protest with the Union Home Ministry.