Teenager's death sparks fresh protests in Indian-controlled Kashmir

Fresh protests and clashes broke out in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir Saturday after government forces fired warning shots, tear smoke shells and shotgun pellets to disperse a funeral procession, officials and locals said.

At least 35 mourners were injured in Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir, when contingents of police and paramilitary tried to stop the protesters carrying body of a 16-year-old boy, Qaisar Ahmad Sofi, who succumbed at premier health institute after days of hospitalisation.

The slain boy's family alleged he was tortured and poisoned by Indian forces, which was refuted by police.

Witnesses said hundreds of young men participated in the funeral procession shouting anti-India slogans. Police action triggered clashes with some young men throwing stones and brickbats towards them, while others carried the boy's coffin to Martyr's Graveyard in the old city for burial.

Locals said police action on mourners prevented funeral procession from growing larger.

Sofi, according to his family, went missing on Oct. 27 and was found lying unconscious in the neighbourhood a day after. His family claimed he was abducted, tortured and subsequently poisoned by Indian security forces. Police spokesman denied the family allegations saying he consumed poison on his own.

Indian-controlled Kashmir has been witnessing the largest anti-India protests in recent years since July 8, following the killing of a popular militant commander in a gunfight with Indian troops.

Authorities imposed curfew and restrictions to contain street protests, besides resorting to arrests and sweeping military crackdown.

Clashes between civilian protesters and government forces have so far resulted in killing of at least 90 people, mostly young men and children, besides injuries to at least 12,000 others including those blinded and maimed.

Kashmir, the Himalayan region divided between India and Pakistan, is claimed by both in full.

However in the Indian-controlled part, anti-India sentiment runs deep in the psyche of majority of Kashmiris. A separatist movement and guerrilla war challenging New Delhi's rule has been going on since 1989. Endit