SRINAGAR: Authorities in Indian-held
Kashmir on Saturday extended a strict curfew to most parts of the
restive region as separatist leaders called for weekend protests against
Indian rule.
Government troops in armoured vehicles
patrolled the streets to thwart any attempt by protesters in Srinagar to
march to the city's commercial center.
Despite the
stringent curfew, protests erupted at about eight places in the city on
Saturday. At two places, police and paramilitary soldiers fired tear gas
and shotgun pellets to stop rock-throwing protesters.
At
least 10 people, including six policemen, were injured in clashes
across the region, said a police officer speaking on condition of
anonymity as he was not authorised to speak to the media.
Separatist
leaders, who challenge India's sovereignty over Kashmir, urged
Kashmiris to march to a historic square over the weekend to demand a
referendum to decide the future of the region.
Shops,
businesses and schools were shut for the 36th straight day and
authorities blocked most cellphone services and internet in an attempt
to prevent demonstrators from mobilizing.
Kashmir has
been under a security lockdown and curfew since the killing of a popular
rebel commander on July 8 sparked some of the largest protests against
Indian rule in recent years. At least 56 civilians and two policemen
have been killed and more than 1,400 protesters have been arrested.
Kashmir is divided between archrivals India and Pakistan, but claimed by both in its entirety.
India
accuses Pakistan of arming and training Kashmiri rebels who have been
fighting for independence or for a merger with Pakistan since 1989.
Pakistan denies the charge, saying it only provides moral and political
support.
More than 68,000 people have been killed
since rebel groups began fighting Indian forces in 1989 and in a
subsequent Indian military crackdown.
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