Demonstrators in Indian-controlled Kashmir have again clashed with
security forces in a fourth consecutive day of protests in the tense,
Muslim-majority region.
Anti-government demonstrators took to the streets in Baramulla,
Thursday, to protest alleged police harassment of previous
demonstrations that left four people dead.
The top administrator in Kashmir released a statement urging security
forces to exercise restraint when dealing with demonstrators. Chief
Minister Omar Abdullah has also ordered magistrates to accompany police
during demonstrations.
On Wednesday, India announced it was withdrawing paramilitary troops from Baramulla.
Government officials said the federal Central Reserve Police Forcewould
be pulled out and replaced by local police. India's Home Minister P.
Chidambaram said the move will give local authorities more
responsibility in maintaining law and order.
There have been protests in the Kashmir region since May when the
bodies of two young women were discovered in the town of Shopian.
Police initially said it appeared the women had drowned in a shallow stream. They later opened a rape and murder investigation.
Many Kashmiris accuse security forces of raping and killing the women.
The state government has ordered an independent judicial investigation into the women's deaths.