SRINAGAR, Nov 30: Police in occupied Kashmir fired over the heads of a crowd of thousands on Friday to break up demonstrations angered by the arrest of nine Muslim women by Indian forces, witnesses said.

Protesters had poured onto the streets of Bandipora township, 60kms north of Srinagar, and staged a noisy demonstration against the Indian army and local authorities, they said.

Agitated by the arrest of the women for alleged links to the Mujahideen, the protesters set up road blockades and pelted government buildings and vehicles with stones.

Officials said police opened fire in the air when protesters turned violent and tried to set fire to the local office of the National Conference party and two other government buildings.

At least 12 people suffered stampede injuries, residents said.—AFP