Fresh clashes have left two anti-India protesters dead and scores injured in India's portion of Kashmir as a security lockdown marred Eid festivities in the troubled region.
Security forces fired tear gas and shotgun pellets to quell protesters in several places, including Srinagar, the region's main city, police said. Protests took place in dozens of areas in the region, which has been wracked by massive demonstrations since July.
Shops and businesses were closed, with a curfew in effect in the entire Kashmir Valley. Most people remained indoors for the Islamic festival of Eid al-Adha, which fell on Tuesday. Usually bustling with activity on such occasions, Srinagar's marketplaces were deserted.
Authorities did not allow congregational Eid prayers in the main mosques and Eid grounds in the predominantly Muslim region, but prayers were held by people in small neighbourhood mosques.
A protester was killed by a tear gas shell in the northern area of Bandipora and another protester was killed by pellets in Shopian in the south, a policeman said. At least 60 people were injured in clashes in 10 different places in the region.
Kashmir is divided between India and Pakistan and claimed by both. Most Kashmiris want an end to Indian rule and favour independence or a merger with Pakistan.
India and Pakistan have fought two wars over control of Kashmir since they won independence from British colonialists in 1947.
