The government forces allegedly halted school buses in Lethpora area of Jammu-Srinagar highway and thrashed many school going students, including a minor girl, leading to clashes between the student families and government forces deployed in the area.

According to report published in a regional weekly, Kashmir Life, a school bus belonging to Hajahad High School Awantipora was halted, despite an official order by the authorities that school buses and ambulances shall be allowed to move during the convoy.

Students also mentioned that they were only thrashed because they argued with them. Scores of the locals later joined the protest and blocked the highway. Meanwhile, a CRPF official denied all the allegations and said that “forces did not harm anybody.”

Notably, after 14 February attack on CRPF convoy in Pulwama, which killed at least 44 paramilitary troopers, the civilian movement was ordered to be restricted during the convoy movement, except school buses and ambulance.