News / India

India imposes curfew in strike-hit Kashmir

Monday, 15 February 2016 2:27 PM [ Last Update: Monday, 15 February 2016 2:28 PM ]

A Kashmiri protester throws an exploded tear smoke shell on paramilitary soldiers during a clash in Srinagar on February 15, 2016. (AP photo)

Authorities have imposed a curfew in Indian-administered Kashmir amid growing tensions over the recent killing of two civilians during a protest in the disputed Himalayan region.

On Monday, Indian police and paramilitary soldiers placed a curfew in Srinagar, the region's main city, and several other parts of Kashmir, warning residents to stay indoors.

Hundreds of Indian paramilitary troops patrolled the deserted streets and set up barbed-wire barricades across the Muslim-majority region.

In protest against the curfew, people took to the streets in at least three neighborhoods of Srinagar and threw stones at Indian forces. At least three protesters were injured as police fired tear gas to disperse the angry demonstrators.

The Indian-controlled Kashmir is also observing a complete shutdown in protest against the killing of pro-independent activists by security forces there. The strike was organized by several pro-independence groups that oppose New Delhi’s rule over Kashmir

Businesses and educational institutions remained closed throughout the scenic Himalayan region. University examinations were postponed and train services were suspended in Kashmir.

An Indian paramilitary soldier asks a civilian to return at a temporary check point during a curfew in Srinagar on February 15, 2016. (AP photo)

The developments come after two Kashmiri civilians -- a young woman and a teenage boy-- were shot dead by the Indian police during a protest rally in the restive southern district of Pulwama on Sunday.

The New Delhi government has deployed large contingents of police and paramilitary troops in the troubled region to prevent street demonstrations. Indian troops are also in constant clashes with the armed groups seeking independence across the valley.

Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan since 1947. Both neighbors claim full governance over the region.

Each has, however, partial control over it. Pakistan controls one-third of Kashmir, with the remaining two-thirds under India’s administration.

Thousands of people have been killed in violence in Kashmir since the 1980s.

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