SRINAGAR: Police in Indian-administered Kashmir have decided to drop attempted murder charges against a young woman accused of throwing stones at troops during anti-India protests two years ago.

The decision Wednesday came amid strong online protests.

Police officer Shiv Murari Sahai says Zahida Akhtar has been exonerated of charges of attempted murder and instigating protests.

Akhtar was arrested last Friday in Anantnag town and later freed on bail.

Her brother denied she threw stones at government forces during the 2010 protests that left 112 people dead, most by troops’ gunfire.

Public opposition to Indian rule in the region is now seen mostly in street protests, with an armed uprising having largely subsided. The Himalayan region is divided between India and Pakistan and claimed in entirety by both.