At least 30 people were injured on Saturday when Shia devotees clashed with the police in Srinagar, after they were prevented from taking out a Muharram procession, in violation of prohibitory orders in force in the city. Police fired warning shots in air, lobbed tear gas shells and used batons to disperse stone-pelting processionists at Lal Chowk and adjoining Abi Guzar, official sources said.
A total of 123 candidates, including seven ministers of Congress-National Conference coalition, eight former ministers and legislators are in fray for the Jammu and Kashmir's first phase of elections scheduled later this month.