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)

By AIJAZ HUSSAIN | AP

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

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Dear Author,

Is 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

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They say that Kashmir is an integral part of India.

UBAID

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Yes a person who lives in five star hotel should comment. What comment can he give? There is a difference between those who are suffering and those who are not suffering.Please don't tell me that what happened to Hindus in 1990?You remeber your own statistics only.What is happening in Kashmir nowadays and who is suffering? Not Hindus but Muslims.More Muslims were killed than Hindus.Comment on this,not on battle of Panipat.

SINKESH

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With all respect to Mr A.Hussain I want to mention that reporters like you should have a level of maturity while reporting on such sensitive issues.

India 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

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Mr. Anonymous, who is protesting on the streets and why they do so. Why they say "Go India Go Back."Why they ask for Freedom from Indian clutches.Late Pundit Jawahar Lal Nehru the Ist prime minister of India said in the Parliament." Kashmir is not a commodity for sale They will be given the chance to franchisee their vote and plebiscite will be held."These stone pelters ask Indian government to fulfill their moral obligation and promises which they have done with international community in the UN. Check articles in UNO on Kashmir.Where r the human rights with so called biggest democracy in the world?They must Respect Kashmiris . After all they are also Human beings.What is their crime ?They just ask for a basic right which has been accepted by India In united nations before the whole world community.
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