SRINAGAR, Oct 26: A young student was killed and 20 people were injured on Sunday when Indian police opened fire to disperse thousands of Muslims demonstrating in occupied Kashmir, police and witnesses said.

The protesters, who attacked police with stones and bricks, were demonstrating against the arrest of several youths in the town of Baramulla, 55km north of Srinagar.

“The police had to open fire to quell a violent demonstration,” an officer said. “One person died and 20 people were injured.”

Thousands later joined the funeral procession of the protester – an 18-year-old science student – chanting “we want freedom” and “Allah is great”.

Police have been arresting people who take active part in the rallies ahead of elections to be held between Nov 17 and Dec 24.

Pro-freedom leaders spearheading the protests have called for a boycott of the polls. They argue elections strengthen India’s occupation of the region.

“Elections are futile and an irrelevant exercise as these offer no solution to Kashmir conflict,” Sajjad Lone, a leader said.—Agencies