A scuffle broke out between the CRPF and police in Srinagar’s Soura neighbourhood on Friday during a clash between the forces and protesters.

A police officer told The Telegraph there was an “issue” between two individuals, one from the police and the other from the CRPF. “There was some heated argument but the issue has been sorted out,” the officer said.

The officer did not say what the “issue” was and denied that it involved officers. However, some reports suggested a deputy superintendent of police had objected when a CRPF officer was clicking objectionable pictures of the crowd.

Police sources said there was tension in the force after the incident and that senior officers tried to defuse it.

A senior police officer tried to downplay the incident and said he had no knowledge of the scuffle.

Most policemen in the Valley, otherwise always seen with AK-47 rifles, are armed only with batons since the scrapping of Kashmir’s special status on August 5.

The decision was taken apparently over fears of a rebellion in the force. However, top officers deny they have been disarmed. So far, there are no reports of any defection.

Soura has emerged as the nerve centre of the Azaadi groundswell in the Valley over the past 40 days. One person has died and dozens have been injured in clashes.