Poonch: At least 16 persons were injured, three of them critically, in a group clash between supporters of rival candidates during Panchayat elections at Sakhi Maidan area of Mendhar in Poonch district of on Tuesday.

Reports reaching GNS said that clashes erupted between the two groups near polling station at Sakhi Maidan in Mendhar. In the meantime, both the groups pelted stones on each other resulting in injuries to 16 persons.

Among the injured three persons Amjid Bashir Khan, Wajid Bashir Khan both residents of Sakhi Maidan and Mohammad Sadiq of Kerri suffered serious injuries and were taken to nearby hospital where from the trio was referred to district hospital Rajouri for specialized treatment.

A police officer said that a case has been registered and further investigations were taken up in connection with the incident. (GNS)