One killed and dozens hurt in Kashmir anti-India protests
One person was killed and about 24 wounded yesterday as protests and clashes against Indian rule erupted in Kashmir shortly after Eid prayers, police and residents said.
Meanwhile, the Indian military said a soldier was killed early yesterday after his patrol was fired at by Pakistani soldiers along the highly militarised line of control that divides Kashmir between India and Pakistan.
Shouting “Go India, go back” and “We want freedom”, hundreds marched in the southern Anantnag area but were confronted by government troops firing tear gas.
The use of force intensified as the protesters struck police and paramilitary soldiers with stones while the troops fired shotguns, injuring at least 17 people.
One young man among the injured died in hospital. He was hit in the head and throat, while other victims were hit in their eyes, medics said.
But police said that a “preliminary investigation” revealed the young man died when a hand grenade exploded in his hand, a claim denied by residents.
Protests and clashes also were reported at several areas across Kashmir, including the main city of Srinagar, after Eid prayers.
The Indian military said one soldier was killed after Pakistani troops fired mortars and guns. The soldiers called it an unprovoked breach of the 2003 ceasefire agreement.
Pakistan did not immediately comment.
Each country has often accused the other of starting border skirmishes and breaking the ceasefire.
Anti-India sentiment runs deep in Kashmir, a disputed Himalayan territory claimed by Pakistan and India in its entirety.
In recent years, the Indian-controlled portion has been the subject of renewed rebel attacks and public protests against Indian rule.
Rebels have been fighting Indian control since 1989, demanding that the territory be united either under Pakistani rule or as an independent country.
India accuses Pakistan of arming and training the rebels, a charge Pakistan denies.
Most Kashmiris support the rebels’ cause and take part in civilian street protests against Indian control. Almost 70,000 people have been killed in the uprising and the Indian military crackdown.