SRINAGAR, May 8: Police in occupied Kashmir used water canon to disperse dozens of women, many wearing black veils, during a new protest on Monday over a suspected prostitution ring involving politicians. “Sexploiters leave our land and face wrath of Allah,” read one banner carried by the protesters in the heart of main city, Srinagar.

Occupied Kashmir has been witnessing protests since last week after newspapers and television channels reported details of a racket which they allege provided prostitutes for local politicians, police officers and bureaucrats.

The protesters, led by Asiya Andrabi, head of Kashmir’s women’s group, Dukhtaran-i-Milat, blamed New Delhi for the scandal.

“India is encouraging prostitution in Kashmir and using it as a war weapon,” Ms Andrabi, who has been campaigning against prostitution and alcohol consumption told journalists.

The authorities have ordered a federal investigation into the sex scandal, vowing to get to the bottom of it.

“Whosoever is involved and whatever position he or she holds would be brought to justice,” Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said.

THREE KILLED: Suspected militants hanged a young woman and shot dead two former comrades, police said on Monday.—Reuters/AFP