Asia

Strict curfew across Kashmir to prevent anti-India rally

Associated Press
Published | Updated

An indian paramilitary soldier stands guard as a Kashmiri Muslim man stands at his doorstep during a curfew in Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Friday, Aug. 5, 2016. Protests have continued across the valley amidst outrage over the killing of a top rebel leader by Indian troops in early July, 2016. (AP Photo/Mukhtar Khan) (The Associated Press)

An Indian policeman aims his pellet gun at protesters during a protest against recent killings in Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Friday, Aug. 5, 2016. Protests have continued across the valley amidst outrage over the killing of a top rebel leader by Indian troops in early July, 2016. (AP Photo/Mukhtar Khan) (The Associated Press)

Kashmiri Muslim protesters throw stones at Indian policemen during a protest against recent killings in Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Friday, Aug. 5, 2016. Protests have continued across the valley amidst outrage over the killing of a top rebel leader by Indian troops in early July, 2016. (AP Photo/Mukhtar Khan) (The Associated Press)

Authorities in Indian-controlled Kashmir have extended a rigid curfew to most parts of the disputed Himalayan region in an attempt to prevent an anti-India protest in the region's main city.

The mostly Muslim area, where resistance to rule by predominantly Hindu India is strong, has been under a rolling curfew and strikes for nearly a month after the killing of a popular rebel commander sparked massive anti-India demonstrations.

Separatists have called Kashmiris to march to prominent Hazratbal shrine in the city of Srinagar and stage protests after Friday prayers there.

Police and paramilitary soldiers patrolled deserted streets and laid razor wire and steel barricades to cut off neighborhoods in the city.

Shops, businesses and schools remained closed for the 28th consecutive day.