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Srinagar: Several people were injured when forces fired pellets in the air and burst teargas shells to disperse demonstrators who were trying to disrupt Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in Tral in Pulwama district on Saturday, official sources said.

Mobile internet service of all Cellular companies, including Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), was suspended as a precautionary measure to prevent spread of rumours.

People, mostly youths, hit the streets at several villages surrounding Aripal, Tral, where the operation against the militant was underway. However, when the demonstrators, raising slogans, tried to move towards the encounter site, forces resorted to lathicharge and burst teargas shells which had no impact on demonstrators who were regrouping and pelting stones.

Later, forces fired pellets followed by firing in the air to chase away the demonstrators and restore peace in the area.

Several persons were injured in the security force action who were rushed to hospital, they said, adding that clashes were still going on when the reports last came in.

Shops and business establishments in most parts of Pulwama, including Tral, were closed and traffic off the roads.