Protesters raise Pakistani flags in Indian Kashmir

Government forces in the Indian-controlled portion of Kashmir on Wednesday removed dozens of black and Pakistani flags hoisted by residents observing a “black day” to protest the killing of a top rebel leader.

Indian forces feared fresh trouble after Pakistan called for observing a “black day” in the country to express

Indian paramilitary troopers stands guard in front of a shrine during the 11th day of curfew in Srinagar on July 19. (AFP) solidarity with “Kashmiris who are facing atrocities at the hands of Indian forces.” Life remained paralyzed and streets deserted in Indian-controlled Kashmir as police and paramilitary soldiers in riot gear enforced a strict curfew for the 12th straight day Wednesday in the disputed region.

Pakistan says it provides political, moral and diplomatic support to Kashmiris and anti-India rebels who demand Kashmir’s independence from India or merger with Pakistan.

Responding to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s appeal, Pakistanis held rallies in various parts of the country, including its portion of Kashmir to condemn “human rights violation in India’s part of Kashmir.’”

In a statement, Sharif said “Kashmir cannot be accepted as an internal matter of India” as the United Nations has already declared it a disputed area. Sharif said that India had promised to the world to arrange a plebiscite in Indian-controlled Kashmir, but such a commitment was yet to be honored.

The largest street protests in recent years erupted after Indian troops killed Burhan Wani, a popular 22-year-old rebel leader on July 8, leading to clashes that left 46 people, mostly teens and young men, and a policeman dead. Nearly 2,000 civilians and about 1,600 government troops have been injured. (AP)