SRINAGAR, April 5: Ten people died in occupied Kashmir on Friday in the wake of a strike called to protest a new anti-terrorism law.

Most streets in Srinagar were deserted. Other major towns in the held state also observed a complete shutdown.

The one-day strike was called by the Jamiat-ul-Mujahideen, which was banned under the new law along with another group, Al Badr.

India outlawed the two groups earlier this week under the controversial Prevention of Terrorism Act.

The law sets strict rules for arrest, interrogation and investigation and allows suspects to be held for 30 days without appearing in court.

Opposition parties and human rights activists say the law could be used to harass innocent people and target Muslims or opponents of the government.

Jamiat-ul-Mujahideen has said the ban would only push it to step up its campaign against Indian rule.

Police said 10 people, including seven Mujahideen, were killed in fresh shootouts across the held state.

Unidentified men shot dead a senior activist of held Kashmir’s ruling National Conference party in Srinagar on Friday, police said.—Reuters