New clashes erupt in Kashmir, curfew imposed
Angry residents clash with police in Indian Kashmir, a day after three civilians were killed by soldiers, prompting authorities to impose a curfew in the region.
The clashes in the disputed Himalayan region on Wednesday came amid simmering anger over the alleged molestation of a girl by soldiers.
Following the clashes, Indian police and paramilitary soldiers placed a curfew in the region's main city of Srinagar, Handwara and neighborhoods amid fears of violent protests.
“We imposed restrictions in the old town of Srinagar and in Handwara to prevent violence,” Kashmir's director general of police K. Rajendra said.
Shops and schools were closed and streets deserted as armed government forces patrolled the curfew-bound areas.
On Tuesday, Indian soldiers opened fire on the protesters who had stormed an army bunker and set it on fire in the northern town of Handwara, police and witnesses said.
Two protesters were shot dead and a woman working in a nearby field later died of a bullet wound, said Rajendra, adding that another injured protester was in critical condition in hospital.
The protest erupted following an allegation that an Indian army soldier tried to sexually assault a local woman.
The army has expressed regret at the shootings and ordered an inquiry, saying in a statement that anyone found guilty “would be dealt with.”
Kashmir has been the scene of deadly clashes between the Indian army and pro-independence activists in recent years.
The Muslim-majority region lies at the heart of a bitter territorial dispute, since India and Pakistan gained independence from British rule in 1947.
More than 68,000 people have been killed in battles between armed groups and army soldiers.
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