SRINAGAR, India — Authorities in Indian-held Kashmir continue to impose curfew to most of the disputed Himalayan region Wednesday.
The mostly Muslim region, where resistance to rule by predominantly Hindu India is strong, has been under a rolling curfew and strikes for nearly a month after the killing of a popular commander sparked massive anti-India demonstrations. At least 70 innocent Kashmiris have been killed and more than 7000 injured.
Shops, businesses and schools remained closed for the 33rd consecutive day.
Troops continue using shotguns to disperse angry crowds despite warnings from India’s home ministry to minimize their use, and requests for a ban from local and international rights groups. The pellets have killed at least one man and left hundreds of civilians with serious eye injuries. Dozens of people have been blinded.
Government forces have also barred people from praying at large mosques across the region but allowed prayers at small neighborhood mosques.
Hurriyet leaders, demanding an end to Indian rule, have extended the protest strikes until August 12.
The troubled region is experiencing some of the largest protests against Indian rule in recent years since troops killed the commander on July 8.
Tens of thousands of people have defied the curfew and participated in street protests, often leading to clashes between rock-throwing residents and government forces firing live ammunition, shotgun pellets and tear gas.
Kashmir is divided between archrivals India and Pakistan, which have fought two wars over control of the region since British colonialists left the subcontinent in 1947.
Most people in the Indian-controlled part resent the presence of hundreds of thousands of Indian troops and support the freedom cause.
More than 68,000 people have been killed in the armed uprising against Indian rule and the subsequent Indian military crackdown.
