Srinagar: Clashes erupted between government forces and civilian protesters in Bandipora villages of northern Kashmir after forces laid a cordon and conducted searches in the villages.

Police sources said that the joint teams of 27 RR and SOG of Jammu and Kashmir Police cordoned off Gundpora village after inputs about the presence of militants.

As soon as the cordon was laid, reports said, the youth came out in twin villages of Gundpora and its neighbouring Onagam and pelted stones on government forces triggering clashes.

The government forces used tear-smoke shells and pellets to disperse the protesting civilians. However, the clashes were going on in the area while this report was being filed.