Government forces in Indian-controlled Kashmir have shot five civilians dead and injured at least 15 others as clashes with anti-India protesters intensified.
Four people were killed on Tuesday when troops fired live ammunition, shotgun pellets and teargas to control hundreds of protesters after stones were thrown in Aripanthan village, north-west of the main city of Srinagar, a police official said.. Three of the injured were in critical condition, he added.
News of the killings brought thousands of other Kashmiris from neighbouring villages into the streets, chanting “go India, go back” and “we want freedom”. Large crowds continued anti-India chants on Tuesday afternoon at the funeral of the four civilians.
More protests broke out across the region as thousands of people took to the streets in defiance of a curfew. A fifth civilian was killed as government forces fired on protesters throwing stones in the southern Anantnag area.
Residents of Kurhama village in eastern Kashmir said soldiers arrived trucks and entered dozens of homes, beat men and women, ransacked property and broke into shops.
A local police officer said the incident came after a group of young people pelted an army convoy with stones. Speaking on condition of anonymity, he said at least 15 villagers were taken to hospital.
The disputed Himalayan region has been extremely tense since government troops killed a popular rebel leader almost six weeks ago.
The death toll from the largest protests in years has now increased to 64, including two police officers. Thousands more people have been injured.
Shops, businesses and schools have remained closed because of the security lockdown and protest strikes called by separatists, who challenge India’s sovereignty. Residents have struggled to cope with shortages of food, medicines and other necessities. Hospitals have been overwhelmed by the many injured.
Kashmir is divided between India and Pakistan, with both claiming it in its entirety. Anti-India feelings run strong in the Muslim-majority region, where most people favour independence or merger with Pakistan.
More than 68,000 people have been killed since rebel groups began fighting Indian forces in 1989 and in the subsequent Indian military crackdown.