Curfew Reimposed in Indian Kashmir
VOA News
16 July 2010
Indian security forces have reinstated a strict curfew across most of Indian-controlled Kashmir to prevent anti-India protests plaguing the divided region.
Police and paramilitary forces patrolled the streets of the main city of Srinagar Friday, warning residents to stay in their homes. Other cities were put under similar restrictions to block planned separatist marches.
The clampdown was briefly lifted on Thursday, allowing thousands of anti-government protesters to hold street demonstrations in Srinagar. Other protesters staged sit-ins around the city.
Indian authorities have struggled to maintain order in the region, which has been rocked by strikes and protests against Indian rule for nearly a month. At least 15 people have died in shootings blamed on police and paramilitary soldiers trying to stop the demonstrations.
Muslim insurgents in Kashmir have been fighting for independence from India or a merger with Muslim-majority Pakistan for more than 20 years. Tens of thousands of people have died in the conflict.
Kashmir is divided between India and Pakistan, but claimed in its entirety by both.
Some information for this report was provided by AP and AFP.
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