India imposes curfew in Kashmir capital Srinagar
A curfew has been imposed in Srinagar, summer capital of Indian-
administered Kashmir, following violent protests over the killing of a
15-year-old boy.
Wamiq Farooq was hit in the head by a tear gas shell as police dispersed
a protest in the city against Indian rule on Sunday.
Police are on alert as people are expected to attend a public ceremony
to mourn the death of the boy on Thursday.
The officer who fired the fatal shell has now been suspended, officials
say.
At least 17 protesters and eight soldiers were hurt during protests on
Monday.
A general strike called by separatist groups began on Tuesday.
Most of the Kashmir Valley remained closed on Wednesday and police had
to fire tear gas and rubber bullets to break up violent demonstrations.
A number of people have been injured in the clashes – a few have been
critically wounded.
Fearing fresh violence in the wake of Thursday’s planned public mourning
ceremony, security forces have been deployed across Srinagar to restrict
the movement of people and enforce the curfew.
Witnesses said Wamiq had gone out to play cricket and was not among the
protesters who clashed with police on Sunday.
Anti-India sentiment runs deep in Muslim-majority Kashmir, over which
India and Pakistan both claim sovereignty and have fought two wars.