Kashmir: protester death sparks fresh clashes

Kashmiri protester throws a piece of brick towards an Indian policeman during a protest in Srinagar, 5/27/09 (Reuters/Fayaz Kabli).

SRINAGAR, India (Reuters) – At least 25 people were injured in Kashmir's main city on Wednesday when hundreds of stone throwing residents, angered over a young protester's death, clashed with Indian troops, police and witnesses said.

Police fired scores of teargas shells to disperse protesters who took to streets for a second day on Wednesday in Srinagar, Kashmir's summer capital, to protest the death of a 20-year-old student.

The student was hit on the head by a teargas shell fired by police last week during a protest against Indian rule in the disputed region. He died on Tuesday.

Last week's protest rally was the biggest this year in Kashmir which was hit by massive anti-India demonstrations last year.

A police official, Abdul Qayum, said the injured included eight security force personnel. "The clashes continue," he said.

Tens of thousands have been killed in the disputed Himalayan region since a revolt against Indian rule broke out in 1989.

But overall violence has fallen significantly across Kashmir since India and Pakistan began peace talks in 2004, although New Delhi has imposed a "pause" in that dialogue after the Mumbai attack in November. Source