September 20, 2008	Saturday	Ramazan 19, 1429

SRINAGAR, Sept 19: Twenty people were wounded in clashes during fresh protests against Indian occupation in Kashmir on Friday, ending a week of calm in the violence-hit region, police and residents said.

A separatist committee spearheading recent demonstrations against India had called on people in the Muslim-majority Kashmir Valley to observe a strike after midday Friday and “hold peaceful demonstrations against India’s rule.”

Thousands of Muslims in Srinagar took to the streets after attending Friday prayers, chanting “we want freedom” and “Go India, go.”

In parts of Srinagar, police fired teargas and rubber bullets at stone-throwing youths.

“During the clashes some 20 people were hurt, including policemen,” said police officer Pervez Ahmed.

Two activists, Mohammed Saleem and Farooq Dar, were arrested in Srinagar, while hardline separatist Syed Ali Geelani was put back under house arrest, police said.

—AFP