Clashes erupt in Kashmir over Charlie Hebdo's cartoons

Indian police fired warning shots and tear smoke shells Friday to disperse irate youth in Indian-controlled Kashmir protesting publication of cartoons of Islam's prophet in French satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo, witnesses and police said.

The magazine in its last week's issue features caricature of Prophet Muhammad weeping on its cover in what is termed as a " survivors" issue.

Protests broke out in Srinagar, the summer capital of Indian- controlled Kashmir, after the Friday afternoon congregational prayers.

The protesters poured on roads carrying placards and banners reading "Down with Charlie Habdo" and "Our Prophet, our honor".

An effigy of the cartoonist was also burnt by the protesters and the youth were also shouting slogans against the magazine.

The contingents of Indian police and paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) deployed in Srinagar tried to stop protesters, who threw brickbats and rocks toward them.

Reports said the clashes were reported from several locations, where the law enforcement personnel had to fire warning shots and tear gas shells to chase them.

On Jan. 7, gunmen stormed the magazine office in Paris killing 12 people.

The attackers targeted the magazine for its anti-Islam depictions.

However, following the attack the magazine last week came up with "survivors" issue and sold around five million copies. Endi