September 14, 2008	Sunday	Ramazan 13, 1429

SRINAGAR, Sept 13: At least 20 Kashmiris were injured on Saturday in the main city of occupied Kashmir when demonstrators clashed with troops in the latest anti-India protest to hit the region, police and witnesses said.

Indian troops fired teargas shells and chased protesters shouting “Indian forces go back”.

Hundreds of protesters, many with their faces covered, burned tyres and threw rocks at police in different parts of Srinagar, witnesses said.

At least 37 protesters have been killed by security forces since last month in the Muslim-majority valley, scene of some of the biggest pro-independence rallies since a revolt against New Delhi’s rule began in 1989.

Kashmiri leaders have complained that the government used excessive force to stop protests.

“It is a martial law-like situation in Kashmir. Indian troops are using brute force to crush us,” said Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, chairman of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference.

Separately, suspected militants opened fire at CRPF personnel in downtown Srinagar, killing one man on the spot, police said.—Reuters