Kashmir protesters defy curfew after killings

By Izhar Wani (AFP)

SRINAGAR, India - Thousands of demonstrators defied a curfew in revolt-hit Indian Kashmir on Saturday to protest against the killing of two young men by security forces a day earlier, police said.

The death marked the fifth killing in which Indian security forces have been implicated during the past two weeks

The demonstrators poured into the streets of Sopore town in Muslim-majority Indian Kashmir shouting: "We want freedom" and "blood for blood" after the men, both in their early 20s, were shot dead by security forces on Friday.

"Tensions are high in the town," a police officer told AFP, asking not to be named. He added that clashes erupted when police fired teargas and used batons in a bid to disperse the protesters.

Police said the two men died in Sopore, 50 kilometres (31 miles) north of Kashmir's summer capital, Srinagar, when troops opened fire after protesters pelted their vehicle with stones.

Police imposed the curfew late Friday after thousands poured into the streets, torched a security vehicle and attacked a police station to protest against the killing of the two men.

Saturday's demonstration in Sopore came as a top separatist leader in Indian Kashmir demanded the resignation of the state's chief minister over the killings.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah "should resign because he has failed to protect the lives of Kashmiris," said Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, a leading separatist public figure and head of the region's main mosque.

Tensions have been rising in recent months in Indian Kashmir, where two decades of rebellion against New Delhi's rule have left thousands dead.

Farooq made his demand as a general strike called by separatists in protest at the latest killings paralysed Srinagar and other towns in the mainly Muslim Kashmir valley.

The deaths of the two young men brought to five the number of civilian killings in which Indian security forces have been implicated during the past two weeks.

Friday's killings are the latest crisis to shake the government of 40-year-old Abdullah, who took over the reins of the state 18 months ago.

"Abdullah's government is allowing India to oppress Kashmir," said Farooq, who wields strong influence among ordinary Kashmiris.

Farooq called for the withdrawal of army and paramilitary from civilian areas, arguing that "their presence fuels resentment."

"All forces deployed in the state have to exercise utmost restraint while dealing with the civilians," Abdullah said in a statement Saturday after chairing a high-level meeting to take the stock of the situation.

He said the death of innocent civilians was a cause of deep concern for the government but added it could not "afford to be complacent against those who want to be a law unto themselves and disturb the peace and tranquility in the state."

Nuclear-armed rivals India and Pakistan each rule part of Kashmir but lay claim to all of the scenic Himalayan region.

The insurgency against Indian rule has left more than 47,000 people dead by the official count.