Hizbul Mujahideen and Religious parties leaders joined hands at a rally to show solidarity with Indian Kashmiri Muslims as they observed a 'Black Day' to denounce the actions of Indian security forces in Indian-administered Kashmir, in Islamabad on July 20, 2016. PHOTO: AFP
Violence erupted after Burhan Wani, commander of the region's biggest separatist group Hizbul Mujahideen - one of several fighting Indian troops in the territory for decades - was killed during a gunbattle with government forces.
The clashes are the deadliest in Muslim-majority Kashmir since 2010 when massive demonstrations were held against Indian rule.
Media muzzled in Kashmir in the wake of Burhan Wani’s killing
In one major protest, an AFP photographer estimated around 20,000 people blocked a highway connecting Islamabad to Muzaffarabad in Pakistani Kashmir and then the capital of Indian-held Kashmir, Srinagar.
Hundreds of others participated in rallies in Muzaffarabad, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Multan and other cities, chanting slogans against the Indian administration of Kashmir and the actions of its security forces in the valley.
Protesters raise Pakistani flags in Indian Kashmir
Speakers urged the United Nations to intervene and resolve the Kashmir issue.
Parts of Indian-held Kashmir have been under curfew for 11 days and residents have complained of medicine shortages.
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