5 more protesters killed in Indian Kashmir clashes

Five people including a teenage girl were killed in overnight clashes between protesters and government forces in Indian Kashmir after a popular rebel leader was shot dead, police said Monday, taking the toll to 23, reports AFP.
Hundreds more have been wounded in the demonstrations that broke out on Saturday despite a curfew imposed across much of the Kashmir Valley, where government forces have repeatedly opened fire on protesters in the worst civilian unrest since 2010. Life in the valley was paralysed for a third day Monday with shops and businesses closed, and there were reports people were once again defying the curfew to come out onto the streets. The protests follow the killing on Friday of Burhan Wani, a 22-year-old commander of Kashmir's largest rebel group Hizbul Mujahideen (HM), during a gun battle with government forces. HM is one of several groups that have for decades been fighting around half a million Indian troops deployed in the region, calling for independence. Around 300 people have been injured, including nearly 100 police, and hospitals say they are overwhelmed. Most victims suffered gunshot wounds or teargas inhalation.

 

5 more protesters killed in Indian Kashmir clashes

Five people including a teenage girl were killed in overnight clashes between protesters and government forces in Indian Kashmir after a popular rebel leader was shot dead, police said Monday, taking the toll to 23, reports AFP. Hundreds more have been wounded in the demonstrations that broke out on Saturday despite a curfew imposed across much of the Kashmir Valley, where government forces have repeatedly opened fire on protesters in the worst civilian unrest since 2010. Life in the valley was paralysed for a third day Monday with shops and businesses closed, and there were reports people were once again defying the curfew to come out onto the streets. The protests follow the killing on Friday of Burhan Wani, a 22-year-old commander of Kashmirs largest rebel group Hizbul Mujahideen (HM), during a gun battle with government forces. HM is one of several groups that have for decades been fighting around half a million Indian troops deployed in the region, calling for independence. Around 300 people have been injured, including nearly 100 police, and hospitals say they are overwhelmed. Most victims suffered gunshot wounds or teargas inhalation.