Kashmir shut by strike, security day after deadly fighting

Indian soldiers guard during a gun battle between suspected militants and Indian security forces in shopian, south of Srinagar, India. Photo / AP

A security clampdown and a strike sponsored by separatists fighting against Indian rule shut most of Indian-administered Kashmir yesterday, a day after deadly protests and fierce fighting killed 16 combatants and four civilians.

Armed police and paramilitary soldiers in riot gear fanned out across the region yesterday and are patrolling streets in anticipation of anti-India protests and clashes.

Authorities have also clamped a curfew on the old parts of the disputed region's main city of Srinagar, the urban centre of protests and clashes against Indian rule.

Shops and businesses closed in other areas where no security restrictions were in place. Separatist leaders who challenge India's sovereignty over Kashmir have called for a shutdown against the killings.

Authorities shut schools and colleges and cancelled university exams in an attempt to stop protests by students. They also stopped train services and cut cellphone internet services in the most restive towns, and reduced connection speeds in other parts of the Kashmir Valley, a common government practice aimed at calming tensions and preventing anti-India demonstrations from being organised.

At least 13 rebels and three Indian army soldiers were killed in Sunday's fighting in three gunbattles in the southern Kashmir where new-age rebels have revived militancy and challenged New Delhi's rule with guns and effective use of social media.

- AP