Dozens detained, life paralyzed by strike in Indian-held Kashmir
India soldiers patrolled largely deserted streets blocked by razor wire and barricades.
SRINAGAR, India (AP) — Indian authorities have detained dozens of Kashmiri activists and placed Hurriyat leaders under house arrest to prevent them from holding anti-India protests to mark the anniversary of a top leader s hanging more than three decades ago.
Shops and businesses remained shut Thursday and a curfew was in effect in some areas of Srinagar, the main city in Kashmir, after a strike was called by separatists.
Most people stayed indoors while hundreds of armed police and paramilitary soldiers patrolled largely deserted streets blocked by razor wire and barricades.
Pro-independence leader Mohammed Maqbool Butt was hanged in 1984 after being convicted of killing an Indian intelligence officer.
Anti-India sentiment runs deep in Kashmir where freedom fighters have fought since 1989 for independence or a merger with Pakistan.
