Kashmir’s first half-marathon runs into chaos

Jaswinder Singh Baidwan

Akhran da mureed
Staff member
Clashes between youths and security personnel amid waving of a Pakistani flag marred the Kashmir valley’s maiden half-marathon today, following which 12 persons were arrested for allegedly eve-teasing and molesting women runners. Pakistani flags are a routine during rallies by separatists or their weekly protests after the Friday prayers in Old Srinagar, but it was the first time these were raised during a non-political event.
Soon after the run was flagged off around 7 am at Kashmir University, some youths raised Pakistani flags and started shouting “anti-India” slogans. The participants even pelted stones at the security forces near Habak Crossing.
After the marathon began, a cultural programme had simultaneously started at the university, attended among others by J&K Minister Sukhnandan Kumar. Witnesses said trouble again started at the university when the first batch of the runners returned and allegedly started hurling bottles at the dais where the function was underway.
Some unruly youths reportedly pulled down the stage prompting the security forces to intervene, which led to clashes between the two sides. Some unruly youths reportedly pulled down the stage prompting the security forces to intervene, which led to clashes between the two sides. The situation was brought under control only after the forces resorted to cane-charge and firing of teargas shells.
A police officer said they had no option but to lathi-charge as the mob turned violent. “Some miscreants started teasing the female participants and even those sitting in the audience. Instances of eve-teasing and molestation complaints were also reported from various spots en route the marathon… We have arrested 12 persons so far,” a police spokesman said.
Several participants left the venue disappointed and vented their ire on the social media. The organisers, however, claimed the run went on smoothly and more than 30,000 people participated in the event.
 
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