SRINAGAR, Feb 11: Occupied Kashmir was hit by clashes between police and protesters on Sunday as a general strike was observed to mark the anniversary of the execution of Mohammad Maqbool Butt, founder of the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front, witnesses said.

The dawn-to-dusk strike had been called by the JKLF.

About 30 JKLF activists, including several leaders, were detained by police in the Regal Chowk and Badshah Chowk areas of Srinagar, according to an AFP reporter.

More than 150 JKLF activists poured onto the road outside the party headquarters at Maisuma. When they resisted demands to disperse, police resorted to a cane charge and detained 11 of them, including senior vice-chairman Bashir Ahmad Bhat.

“Hand over the remains of the father of the nation, Shaheed Maqbool Butt to Kashmiris,” read a banner carried by protesters. “We want freedom ... return the mortal remains of Maqbool Butt,” shouted the protesters.

Two other prominent leaders were detained during another protest.—AFP/Reuters