Protests, Pakistani flag and eve-teasing play spoilers at the first ever international marathon in Kashmir

The show at the first-ever international half marathon on 13 September in Kashmir was marred by clashes between the youth and security forces. Twelve people have been arrested for allegedly eve-teasing and molesting women runners.

According to media reports, pro-freedom slogans as well as the flag of Pakistan were raised during the marathon by the runners. The police resorted to a lathi charge and fired teargas shells to disperse the protestors.

The pandemonium occurred after the 21-kilometre run was completed. The two-part marathon registered participants including professional international athletes and a five-kilometre 'dream run' was organised for others.

As the run ended, some youths raised pro-freedom slogans at the presentation venue. They hurled stones at the police and paramilitary forces and vandalised the venue, removing signboards and damaging the LED screens.

Meanwhile, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti expressed her dismay over the alleged incident of molestation and eve-teasing and said, "Such rowdy behaviour is unacceptable in a civilised society. The state's civil society should rise against such unruly behaviour where our daughters are being dishonoured by misguided, disruptive elements."