SRINAGAR: Students protesting Indian rule in occupied Kashmir clashed with government forces on Thursday after authorities reopened schools following the recent killing of Kashmiris.

Indian forces fired tear-gas to stop students from marching at several colleges in Srinagar. The students chanted anti-India slogans and marched on the streets while demanding an end to Indian rule in the region.

Clashes also erupted in other parts of India-held Kashmir as students hurled rocks at police and paramilitary soldiers. They also burned a police bunker in Srinagar.

Some students were reportedly injured in the clashes.

The students were protesting the killing 17 Kashmiris at the hands of Indian troops on Sunday. At least three Indian soldiers were also killed in the violence, which was followed by a security clampdown and a strike called by Hurriyat leaders.

Authorities shut schools and colleges and cancelled university exams in an attempt to stop protests.

Published in Dawn, April 6th, 2018