Soldiers try to block protest in Kashmir
Thousands of troops in riot gear warned people to stay indoors in the Indian portion of Kashmir in an attempt to block a pro-independence rally called by separatists for a second straight day Friday, local residents said.
"Soldiers are patrolling everywhere and are telling us to stay indoors as curfew has been imposed in the city," said Shakeel Ahmed, a resident of Srinagar, the summer capital of India's Jammu-Kashmir state.
Officials said the government has banned any public assembly of more than five people. "There is no curfew, but yes, restrictions have been imposed to avoid any law and order situation," said B. Srinivas, a senior police officer.
Separatists called for a demonstrations to honour tens of thousands of Muslims they say were killed in clashes with Hindus on Nov. 6, 1947, within months of India and Pakistan gaining independence from Britain.
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