Kashmir locked down after troops kill 4 protesters
Kashmiri protesters throw stones at Indian paramilitary soldiers during a protest in Srinagar, India, on Tuesday. (AP)
Published: Sep 7, 2010 14:11 Updated: Sep 8, 2010 01:04
SRINAGAR, India: Tens of thousands of troops enforced a rigid curfew in India's portion of Kashmir on Tuesday, wary of violent demonstrations after the deaths of four protesters who were shot dead by security forces.
The mostly Muslim Kashmir region has been roiled by anti-government demonstrations and clashes between protesters and government forces for the past three months.
Monday's deaths brought to 69 the number of people killed in the civil unrest against rule from predominantly Hindu India.
The streets of Srinagar, Indian-held Kashmir's main city, and other towns were deserted Tuesday with soldiers in riot gear turning out in full force.
On Monday, four people, including two teenage boys, were killed when security forces fired live ammunition into crowds to disperse rock-throwing protesters in Palhalan, a village north of Srinagar, police said.
That led to more protests, with local residents saying there was no clash and that soldiers opened fire on a peaceful protest without provocation.
Anti-India sentiment runs deep in Kashmir, which is divided between India and Pakistan and claimed by both in its entirety. Protesters reject Indian sovereignty over Kashmir and want independence, or a merger with predominantly Muslim Pakistan.
The recent unrest is reminiscent of the late 1980s, when protests against New Delhi's rule sparked an armed conflict that has killed more than 68,000 people, mostly civilians.
The state government ordered a probe into Monday's shooting. In the past, human rights groups have denounced such investigations as weak moves to calm public anger.
Demonstrations against Indian rule continued until early Tuesday with tens of thousand of Kashmiris chanting, "Go India, go back" and "We want freedom." Angry protesters attacked police stations with rocks and petrol bombs, a police officer said.
Troops fired warning shots and tear gas to quell the protests, he said. At least 14 people were wounded in the clashes. The police officer spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to reporters.
Armored vehicles patrolled the streets Tuesday and government forces used barbed-wire barricades to seal off public squares and neighborhoods in Srinagar.

Comments
ANONYMOUS
Sep 7, 2010 20:25
Report abuseIs it necessary to mention Muslim Kashmir and Hindu India, why are you flaring up things. For any news there should be comments from all the parties involved, not just the protesters, why will someone simply fire on peaceful protesters, we need all the facts just not bit and pieces and a biased article in such a good news paper.
Well why I have not given my real name, because I don't want to be judged by my name
UBAID
Sep 7, 2010 20:26
Report abuseUBAID
Sep 7, 2010 21:01
Report abuseSINKESH
Sep 8, 2010 00:11
Report abuseIndia has more muslims than whole population of pakistan so do you mean that all pakistanis should join india or what.
If countries need to be divided on religious grounds as per your views many countries in the world should be divided, starting from pakistan which is also having people of all religions, then america ,then china and so on.
Even among various religions there are different sects so you mean they should also divide. Dear there is no end to this thing.
India has unity in diversity ,it is unique and vast country. United we stand divided we fall.
What about scores of Muslims killed in Muslim mojority pakistan dont turn a blind eye to this issue where various sects are killing each other in countless numbers , check your statisticshere also .I am sure they are dying in scores daily so what do you say.
Think over that deeply and calmly . You will have a second thought i am sure.
DR. BASHIR AHMAD
Sep 8, 2010 01:32
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