15 die as protests roil Indian Kashmir after rebel's death

The death toll in Kashmir rose to 15 Sunday as clashes between Indian troops and protesters continued despite a curfew imposed in the disputed Himalayan region to suppress anti-India violence following the killing of a popular rebel commander, The Daily Mail reported.

Six civilians who had been injured after Indian troops fired on rock-throwing protesters died overnight while a man was killed on Sunday as hundreds of people defied the curfew and clashed with troops in southern Pulwama town, a police official said on condition of anonymity becasue he wasn't authorized to speak to reporters. Eight people were killed on Saturday.

The massive anti-India protests erupted after Burhan Wani, chief of operations of Hizbul Mujahideen, Kashmir's largest rebel group, was killed fighting with Indian troops on Friday. Two rebel comrades of Wani were also killed. 

Indian troops used live ammunition, pellet guns and tear gas to try and control the angry crowds, police said. More than 100 civilians have so far been injured in the clashes.

Police intelligence chief Shiv M. Sahai said that protesters attacked several police and paramilitary posts in the region. Some 90 government troops have also been injured, he said. Thousands of government forces in riot gear have fanned out across towns and villages in Kashmir.

Source: MENA