Clashes erupt in Shopian after forces launch search operation

Srinagar, Jul 31 : Security forces today burst teargas shells at Keller in south Kashmir district of Shopian to disperse protestors, who took to the streets after search operation was launched in the area. Official sources told  that following specific information about presence of militants in village Batpora in Keller, a joint search operation was launched by Special Operations Group (SOG) of state police and Army in the area. However, as the security forces were cordoning off the area, hundreds of villagers from Batpotra and adjoining area took to the streets and pelted stone at security personnel. They said security forces burst teargas shells to disperse the demonstrators, adding the clashes were still going on when the reports last came in. UNI