Fresh protests in Indian Kashmir

Two more protesters died in clashes with security forces in Indian Kashmir, police said Thursday, dashing hopes of calm returning to the region roiled by weeks of anti-India protests.

Violent demonstrations erupted despite an appeal for restraint from Syed Ali Gilani. "Demonstrations should be peaceful," Gilani said on Wednesday. "Wherever you are stopped, sit down and tell them 'now you can fire at us', but don't indulge in violence."

Police officials said security forces late Wednesday opened fire killing two people in Srinagar. The shootings sparked further protests in the city in defiance of curfew orders. Police said protesters attacked them and paramilitary posts.

The recent killings have taken the total death toll to 47 in the region, most of them shot dead by security forces.