Srinagar, August 14: Days after international media showed protesters gathered in large numbers in Soura, located in Jammu & Kashmir's Srinagar, the government on Tuesday issued a note accepting the reports of demonstration. The low-key statement was issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Twitter.

"Stories in media on a said incident in Soura region of Srinagar. On 09/08, miscreants mingled with people returning home after prayers at a local mosque. They resorted to unprovoked stone pelting against law enforcement forces to cause widespread unrest," the MHA said on Tuesday. Article 370 Revoked: Editor of Kashmir Times Seeks Urgent Hearing of Plea for Removal of Media Restrictions

The Home Ministry, however, did not conform to the claims of 10,000 protesters gathering in Soura. It further contradicted the media outlets by reiterating that no bullets were fired by the law enforcement officials.

Here's What The MHA Said:

The demonstration, which New Delhi had initially played down, was reported in Soura by the international media on Friday. Following the congregational prayers, a crowd of nearly 10,000 locals - as per the report - staged a demonstration and resorted to stone pelting.

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The protests were directed against the Centre, which had last week issued an executive order revoking the J&K's special status by abrogating Article 370. The move has reportedly caused widespread dissent in the region, which has compelled the authorities to clampdown on internet and phone lines to prevent the mobilisation of protesters.

"A news report originally published in Reuters and appeared in Dawn claims there was a protest involving 10,000 people in Srinagar. This is completely fabricated and incorrect. There have been a few stray protests in Srinagar/Baramulla and none involved a crowd of more than 20 people," the MHA had said in a statement on Saturday, a day after the protests.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 14, 2019 09:57 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).