Kashmir Protests Kill Two, Injure 100+

Local Editor

Fresh protests in Indian-administered Kashmir Friday left at least two protesters dead and more than 100 injured, taking the death toll from nearly a month of unrest to 54, a police officer said.

Thousands of residents clashed with government forces, defying a curfew authorities extended to large parts of the disputed territory, including the main city of Srinagar, for the 28th straight day.

Government forces fired bullets, tear gas shells and pellets from shotguns to break up demonstrations and thwart a protest march called by separatists opposed to Indian rule.

"Forces fired to disperse large crowds at two places in Budgam district in which two persons died," a senior police officer told AFP on condition of anonymity as he was not authorized to speak to media.

"Over 100 protesters [and] some policemen were injured in the day-long clashes," the officer added.

Indian Kashmir spiraled into unrest with almost daily anti-India protests and clashes since the killing on July 8 of popular young rebel leader Burhan Wani in a gunfight with soldiers.

The Himalayan territory remained locked down since then as authorities imposed a rolling curfew, cut internet services and suspended most mobile networks.

The unrest, the worst since 2010, has left 54 civilians and two policemen dead so far.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team