Protesters on Friday took to streets against the killing of two youths in an army operation in Tral area last week and clashed with security personnel leaving at least 12 persons, including two policemen, injured.

The protests took a violent turn soon after the Friday prayers concluded at the historic Jamia Masjid in Nowhatta area of the city.

A police official said two policemen were among nearly 12 persons who sustained minor injuries in the clashes which were going on till last reports came in.

Incidents of stone-pelting were also reported from Tral and adjoining areas against the killing of two youths on Monday. While the locals alleged that the duo was killed in a fake encounter, the army maintained that the slain youth were militants.

Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umer Farooq led a procession against the killings in Tral and said it was “unfortunate” that the government had not given a clear statement on the issue.

“The issue of fake encounter in Tral has not been addressed so far. There have been no arrests or detentions. There has been no FIR lodged on this issue. The people of south Kashmir, the people of Tral have been protesting for the last three days on this issue.

“It is very unfortunate that the government has not given a clear statement on this,” he said

He accused the ruling PDP of “surrendering” before its alliance partner BJP over the issue of revocation of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA).

“It is very unfortunate that the present government in Kashmir, the PDP-led government, has surrendered before the BJP on the issue of (revocation of) AFSPA. We are seeing that innocents are being killed,” Mirwaiz said.

He said media was trying to make issues which were “non issues” in Kashmir.