Kashmir clashes over militant leader leave 30 dead

PanARMENIAN.Net - Police in Indian-administered Kashmir say at least 30 people have been killed in clashes between protesters and security forces following the shooting of a well-known militant leader, BBC News reports.

Burhan Wani, 22, died in a gunfight with the Indian army on Friday.

More deaths were reported on Monday, July 11 after a weekend of violence left 23 dead, including a policeman.

The violence is the worst seen in the region for years. Some 800 extra troops are being sent to help restore order.

More than 200 other people have been injured in the clashes, in which government forces have fired live rounds and tear gas.

A curfew is in place across much of the Muslim-majority Kashmir valley after a police post was set alight and a military airbase targeted during the latest clashes.

Disputed Kashmir is claimed in its entirety by both India and Pakistan and has been a flashpoint for more than 60 years, sparking two wars between the countries.

Within the disputed Muslim-majority territory, some militant groups have taken up arms to fight for independence from Indian rule or a merger with Pakistan.

The last bout of serious violence in the region was in the summer of 2010, when more than 100 people died in anti-India protests, which broke out after police shot dead a teenager.