Shopian, May 22: An outreach programme organised by the Indian Army on the occasion of Iftar led to clashes in DK Pora village in south Kashmir's Shopian district on Monday evening. A group of youngsters allegedly started pelting stones at soldiers of the army. It created chaos, and the army opened fire at the miscreants. Four girls sustained gunfire injuries during the clashes. They were shifted to a hospital.

According to a report published in Hindustan Times, villagers objected to the iftar party organised by the 34 Rashtriya Rifles for setting up stalls outside a local mosque. The villagers even tried to vandalise the stalls set up by the army.

According to the report, some villagers began raising anti-government slogans and pelting the soldiers with stones. The army resorted to aerial firing while withdrawing, said a defence spokesperson.

"It's unfortunate. It was a good gesture by the army, but it was not properly planned. I think the Iftar party could have been held inside the camp itself," reported NDTV quoting SP Vaid, Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police as saying.  The event was part of the army’s efforts to improve relations with the civilians. The relations between security forces and the civilians have hit rock bottom after Killing of Hizbul Commander Burhan Wani.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 22, 2018 06:14 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).