IMPHAL, Aug 13: Hundreds of protesters clashed with police in north-eastern India on Friday and others brought their dogs onto the streets during rallies demanding an anti-terror law be scrapped after troops killed a local woman.

The remote state of Manipur - land of jewels - has been on the boil since 30-year-old Thangjam Manorama was killed a month ago by troops who suspected she was involved in a rebellion that has run in the state for decades.

The state government withdrew the Armed Forces Special Powers Act from its capital, Imphal, and some nearby areas on Thursday. The disputed law gives security forces sweeping powers to arrest or shoot suspected rebels.

But people poured out on Imphal's streets on Friday shouting "Remove armed forces special powers act", "Go back Indian army" and "Remove Indian colonial law", in violation of a ban on public gatherings.

Dozens suffered minor injuries after scuffles with police. Witnesses said police made some protestors lie on the ground and kicked them. "We are not satisfied with the government's decision.

We are going to intensify our movement now until the law is revoked from the entire state," Apunba Lup, an umbrella organization of 32 groups involved in the protest campaign, said in a statement.

In a separate rally, members of the United Kennel Club of Manipur brought their dogs - from boxers and great danes to Dalmatian and Labrador - onto the streets for a three hour protest.

"We did this because both security personnel and rebels kill dogs barking at them when they pass by any localities at night," Satyendra Rajkumar, one of the organizers, said. The dogs, some with placards hanging from their necks reading "Stop killing innocent people" or "We want peace".

Protesters said the killing of Manorama was the latest in a series of abuses under the anti-terror act. But a a federal interior ministry official said the state government did not have any power to scrap the law, adding New Delhi could decide to reimpose it in Imphal.

Offices, shops and schools remained shut in protest and soldiers and policemen in battle gear patrolled the city. Protesters also placed boulders, logs and burning tyres on many roads leading out of Imphal and several places on highways to block traffic.

More than 20 armed groups operate in Manipur. They accuse New Delhi of neglecting the local economy and want more freedom or complete independence for the state.

The anti-terror law is in force in seven northeastern states torn by insurgencies for decades. More than 10,000 people have died in 30 years of violence in Manipur alone. -Reuters