Protestors clash with security forces in Kashmir

Indian security forces placed heavy restrictions on civilian movement in Kashmir‘s largest towns on Friday in response to protests that erupted after four civilians were killed Thursday by the region’s Border Security Force. Kashmiri separatists have called for a three day strike and further protests as security forces set up barricades and razor wire to block pedestrian and vehicle movement.

The four civilians were killed at a demonstration over rumors that the Border Security Force had desecrated a Quran and assaulted an imam at a mosque in the village of Gool. State Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said in a statement:

It is highly unacceptable to shoot at unarmed protesters just because they were reportedly protesting manhandling of an imam of their area…There is no justification or rationalization of this deplorable act. This shocking act warrants and demands the severest of condemnation in the strongest possible terms.

Indian Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde has ordered an investigation into the incident.