Protests, clashes occur in Indian-controlled Kashmir against militant killings

Indian police fired dozens of tear smoke shells and warning shots Tuesday to disperse angry youth protesting killing of three militants in a gunfight in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, officials said.

The protests broke out in Bijbehara town of Anantnag district, about 44 km south of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir, immediately after burial of the militants.

Hundreds of people participated in funeral prayers of the three slain militants killed in a gunfight with Indian military and police.

The trio was killed in neighbouring village of Silligam on Monday.

While two militants were hailing from the town, the third one was a resident of adjacent Wupzan village.

Mourners including women participated in the procession as bodies of the militants were carried to graveyard amid pro-freedom and anti-India slogans.

Senior separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani ahead of funeral prayers addressed the people through telephone from his Srinagar residence.

Soon after the burial angry protesters clashed with police.

The town observed a complete shutdown against the killings. Schools, offices and businesses remained closed in the town.

Authorities deployed huge contingents of police and paramilitary to chase protesters.

"We are facing a tough time in controlling the youth who are hurling stones and brickbats on us," a police officer posted in the town said.

Clashes in the town were going on until last reports came in.

A separatist movement and guerilla war challenging New Delhi's rule are going on in Indian-controlled Kashmir since 1989.

Kashmir, the Himalayan region divided between India and Pakistan, is claimed by both in full. Since their independence from Britain, the two countries have fought three wars, two exclusively over Kashmir. Endit