Kashmir remains under curfew amid tensions

Most parts of the Indian-administered Kashmir remain under curfew a week after the killing of a popular militant leader in the disputed Himalayan region.

On Friday, thousands of armed police and paramilitary soldiers in riot gear patrolled the streets of Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir State, as well as Anantnag district in the south to enforce the curfew.

Indian authorities also blocked mobile phone services to prevent further protests after Friday prayers across the Muslim-majority region.

The state government has ordered restrictions on the movement of people and traffic in several parts of the valley. It said in a statement that only people involved in medical emergencies would be allowed to travel across the troubled region.

Clashes erupted after Burhan Wani, a top figure in the pro-independence Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) group, was killed along with two others in a shootout with Indian troopers on July 8.

Anti-riot troops have used live ammunition, pellet guns and tear gas to disperse the crowds and calm down the outrage over the past few days.

At least 37 people are now confirmed dead and over 2,000 others injured following days of violent clashes between protesters and Indian forces. Medical sources have expressed serious concern that a severe lack of blood donations and life-saving medicines could cause more deaths.

SS