Thousands protest in Indian Kashmir

SRINAGAR: Thousands of protesters poured into the centre of the main city of Indian Kashmir on Thursday after authorities lifted restrictions for the first time in five days.

The region has been wracked by demonstrations since June 11 when security forces were accused of killing a 17-year-old. Since then, another 14 protesters and bystanders have been killed.

As violence spread, local authorities slapped rigid curfews on most of the region, arrested activists and ordered the army onto the streets to stage flag marches in the summer capital Srinagar.

Kashmiris, mostly young men chanting “We Want Freedom!” and “Allah Is Great!”, staged sit-in protests at several places in Srinagar on Thursday, heeding a call by hardline separatists opposed to Indian rule in the region.

“We are watching the situation closely. If need arises we may re-impose restrictions on the movement of the people,” a police officer, who asked not to be named, told an agency.

Shops, schools and offices also remained closed for the fifth day running on Thursday on the call of separatists opposed to Indian rule.

An insurgency in the part ruled by New Delhi has claimed an estimated 47,000 lives.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 16^th, 2010.