More clashes in Indian Qu’ran unrest

SRINAGAR, India: Protesters clashed with government troops in several parts of Indian-controlled Kashmir yesterday, defying a government curfew imposed to quell large-scale demonstrations over the killing of four villagers in the disputed Himalayan region.

Locals threw rocks as police and paramilitary soldiers tried to stop them by hitting them with batons and firing tear gas and, at one location, live ammunition, a police officer said.

Six police and paramilitary troops and at least two protesters were injured in the clashes.

The unrest follows the fatal shootings of four villagers by government troops on Thursday during clashes over the alleged desecration of the Muslim holy book by border guards in a remote, mountainous village in the region. – Sapa-AP