Protesters clash with police in Indian-controlled Kashmir

Protesters clashed with Indian police Wednesday in Indian- controlled Kashmir on the 25th anniversary of killing of 50 people (locally known as Gaw Kadal massacre), officials, eyewitnesses said.

Kashmiri Muslim protesters shout slogans during a protest march in Maisuma area of Srinagar, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir, Jan. 21, 2015. Dozens of Kashmiri protesters clashed with Indian paramilitary troopers and police in Maisuma area of Srinagar during a protest march to commemorate the 25th anniversary of an alleged massacre when Indian paramilitary troopers had allegedly opened indiscriminate firing on peaceful demonstrators, killing 50 civilians 25 years ago. [Photo/Xinhua] 

The clashes broke out in Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir in the afternoon.

Indian police had to fire dozens of tear smoke shells and resort to baton charging to disperse stone throwing youth, witnesses said.

The clashes continued for around two hours, reports said.

There were no reports of anyone being injured in the clashes.

Authorities had deployed police and India's paramilitary troopers of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in full strength in the city to contain protests.

Hundreds of people assembled at Gaw Kadal locality to commemorate the slain people. Separatist leaders addressed the people in the locality to pay tributes to the slain men.

The city center of Srinagar and adjoining areas observed a complete shutdown on the call of separatist groups to mark the 25th anniversary of Gaw Kadal massacre. Businesses and shops remained closed in wake of the call.

On Jan. 21, 1990, more than 50 people were killed and scores injured after CRPF personnel fired on demonstrators demanding end of New Delhi's rule in Indian-controlled Kashmir.

Rights activists termed it a massacre and alleged Indian paramilitary troopers opened fire on civilians without any provocation.

"Despite the scale of violence, there have been no judicial proceedings against any of the perpetrators," read a statement from Srinagar based rights group Coalition of Civil Society. " Investigations have rarely been carried out, and there have been no prosecutions against the armed forces."

Former chief minister of Indian-controlled Kashmir Omar Abdullah Wednesday made a demand for establishing a truth and reconciliation commission in the region to probe human rights violations.

Anti-India sentiment run deep in the psyche of majority of Kashmiris. A separatist movement and guerilla war challenging New Delhi's rule is going on in Indian-controlled Kashmir since 1989.

Gunfight between militants and Indian troopers took place intermittently in the restive region.

Kashmir, the Himalayan region divided between India and Pakistan is claimed by both in full. Since their independence from Britain, the two countries have fought three wars, two exclusively over Kashmir.

New Delhi accused Islamabad of sending armed militants to Indian-controlled Kashmir. However, Islamabad said it only provides moral and political support to Kashmiris.

Kashmiri protesters throw stones at Indian police and paramilitary troopers during a protest in Maisuma area of Srinagar, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir, Jan. 21, 2015. [Photo/Xinhua]

Indian police and paramilitary troopers clash with Kashmiri protesters (unseen) during a protest in Maisuma area of Srinagar, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir, Jan. 21, 2015. [Photo/Xinhua]

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