As protests and counter-protests rage in several states over the arrest of Jawaharal Nehru University students union leader Kanhaiya Kumar, heavy clashes rocked the streets of Srinagar on Friday with a section of youth waving Pakistan flags.
According to reports, the clashes erupted near the Jama Masjid in the downtown and the youths were seen carrying posters saying 'Thank You JNU' and 'Afzal our Hero.' They also waved flags of Pakistan and the Islamic State terror group.
The protesters pelted stones at the security force and shouted pro-Afal slogans leading to a pitched battle.
The protests came at a time when a nation-wide debate is going on over a controversial event on the JNU campus last week to commemorate the death anniversary of Afzal Guru who was hanged in 2013 after being convicted in the Parliament attack case.
Several students were seen shouting anti-India and pro-Afzal slogans during the event. Kanhaiya Kumar was slapped with sedition by the Delhi police which say they have enough evidence against the JNUSU leader.
However, the arrest has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters who accuse the police and Modi government of muzzling freedom of speech.
