Srinagar: Intense clashes broke out between youth and government forces outside the historic Jamia Masjid in the old city area of Nowhatta after the congregational Friday prayers.

A scene of a protest in Nowhatta, down town, Srinagar. File Picture- Abid Bhat

Reports said that soon after the prayers concluded, the youths assembled outside the mosque and pelted stones on the government forces who were deployed around the mosque in strength.

The government forces, they said, fired pellets and tear smoke shells to disperse the youths. They said that five youths have sustained pellet injuries during the clashes.

The clashes around the mosque were going on when this report was being filed.