Protests rage in Indian-administered Kashmir town

Jul 1, 2009, 9:19 GMT

   Srinagar, Kashmir - Four people died and dozens were injured as protestors defied a curfew and clashed with police Wednesday in India-administered Kashmir.

   In Baramulla town, 50 kilometres north of state capital Srinagar, protestors took to the streets and burned a military ambulance.

   'Several people were injured as the police had to resort to caning and firing tear gas to disperse angry protestors,' a government official said on condition of anonymity.

   'One of the protestors, a girl, was seriously injured and is being treated at a government hospital,' he added.

   Protests erupted Monday after a Muslim woman complained of 'harassment' at a police station where she had gone to lodge a complaint.

   The death toll rose to four as a youth died in hospital Tuesday night from injuries sustained during a demonstration.

   On Tuesday night, state Chief Minister Omar Abdullah issued orders to pull out the paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) from Baramulla, making it the first town in the Muslim-majority state to have no federal forces.

   The CRPF has faced criticism for its handling of the protests and the state government is under intense pressure to use the reserves to combat militants instead of maintaining law and order.

   In a related development, a general strike called by separatist leaders disrupted life in state capital Srinagar and other towns.

   The shutdown, which is expected to continue till Thursday, saw most schools, shops and businesses closed in Srinagar and other towns.

   India-administered Kashmir has already witnessed violent protests over the suspected rape and murder of two women whose bodies were found last month.

   State authorities rejected allegations by family members that the perpetrators were security forces personnel. Medical tests later confirmed the women had been raped.

   Large numbers of soldiers have been deployed to check attacks in the state, which has seen a separatist militancy since the 1980s. Local residents and human rights groups have often accused the police and troops of human rights violations.