Anantnag: Clashes between protesting youth and government forces broke out in Lal Chowk area of Anantnag town in South Kashmir on monday as hundreds of youth hit the streets over ‘attempts to scrap Article 35 A’.

The Article 35 A defines  permanent resident of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, barring anyone non PR of the state from buying property in J&K.

According to locals protesting youth were demanding the special status of Kashmir  be safeguarded.

“Some youth started throwing stones on forces deployed in the area leading to clashes,” they said.

The Police in retaliation fired tear smoke shells to disperse the protesters, eyewitness said.

Locals claimed that protests broke out after news spread that the apex court will be hearing the vires of the article today for final disposal.

However sources confirmed that SC will be hearing a fresh petition challenging the Article 35 A for ‘admission’.

The date of hearing is slated to be August 31.

JFK has called for a two day state wide shutdown over “attempts to scrap special status of the state”

Massive clashes were going on when this report was filed.

Picture used for representational purposes only.