GENERAL STRIKE, CURFEW SHUT DOWN KASHMIR

     Kashmir, 14 Ramadan 1434/22 July 2013 (MINA) – General strike in the Indian-administered Kashmir continues for the third consecutive day against the recent killing of protesters by Indian forces.

     All businesses and shops were shut down across the Muslim-majority region as a curfew was imposed by security forces on Sunday, Press TV quoted by Mi’raj News Agency (MINA).

     The general strike which started on Friday was called by religious groups and pro-independence leaders.

     Media reports say almost all institutions and businesses remained closed, and traffic stayed off the streets in Srinagar and some other major towns of the Kashmir Valley. Reports further indicated that all schools and government offices remained closed in the disputed valley.

     The developments come after the Indian troops fired at protesters in the region on Thursday, killing at least seven people and wounding dozens.

      The Kashmiris were demonstrating against what they described the desecration of the holy Qur’an by Indian forces.

     Several fighter groups who oppose New Delhi rule over the Muslim-majority region have called for the strike. Fighter leaders say the Indian government should hold the security forces accountable for human rights violations in Kashmir.

      Authorities have deployed large police and paramilitary troops in most parts of the capital of Srinagar to prevent fresh street demonstrations.

      The government forces have responded by imposing curfew and restrictions on the movement of people.

       Kashmir lies at the heart of more than 60 years of hostility between India and Pakistan. Both neighbors claim the region in full but have partial control over it.

      The neighbors agreed on a ceasefire in 2003 and launched a peace process the following year. Since then, there have been sporadic clashes, with both sides accusing the other of violating the ceasefire. (T/P09/E1).

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA).