A fresh strike called by anti-India separatists to protest the killings of two suspected militants and a civilian shut down India-held Kashmir on Wednesday, while a teenage boy died a day after he was allegedly wounded by government forces.
Massive clashes and protests erupted in Kashmir on Tuesday after troops killed two suspected militant leaders in a gun battle and fatally shot a civilian in an ensuing demonstration demanding an end to Indian rule. A 17-year-old boy, who was shot by Indian troops, died on Wednesday morning.
Thousands of people participated in the boy's funeral in Haal village, where clashes erupted between rock-throwing villagers and the government forces who fired shotgun pellets and tear gas.
Shops and businesses were closed in most parts in the region. Authorities clamped a curfew in the old parts of Srinagar in anticipation of more protests and also blocked internet services to stop activists from using social media to rally support against Indian rule.
In recent years, Kashmiris, mainly youths, have displayed open solidarity with anti-India separatists and sought to protect them by engaging troops in street clashes during military operations against militants.
The anti-India protests and clashes have persisted despite the Indian army chief warning recently that “tough action” would be taken against stone throwers during counterinsurgency operations.
