Kashmir protest over shopkeeper's death

Hundreds took part in the protest

By Altaf Hussein in Srinagar

Police in Indian-administered Kashmir have used tear gas to break up a demonstration by hundreds of people protesting against the alleged murder of a shopkeeper by Indian paramilitary soldiers.

The family of 32 year-old Rafiq Bakal say Indian paramilitary soldiers detained him in Srinagar on Saturday night, and they allege he was shot dead while in their custody.

Today's demonstrators, who were led by the senior separatist leader, Mohammed Yasin Malik, staged a sit-in protest on the streets of Srinagar and shouted anti-Indian slogans.

They also alleged Mr Bakal was killed in cold blood, and called for justice.

Police later fired into the air and used tear gas to break up the procession of protestors near the area of Regal Chowk.

The Inspector-General of Police, Ashok Bhan, says an investigation has been launched into the circumstances surrounding Mr Bakal's death.

Other violence

Meanwhile, 12 people have been killed in separate incidents of violence across the state over the past 24 hours.

Four militants were killed in clashes with Indian troops at Sopore and Kangan.

Three militants were killed in a separate clash with the Indian troops at Rajouri.

Militants shot dead a senior activist of the ruling National Conference party at Pattan, north of Srinagar last night.

They also gunned down a former militant at Nowhatta in Old Srinagar yesterday evening.

Unknown gunmen also shot dead a civilian at Tral, south of Srinagar.

Police say a mine explosion occurred in a forest in Udhampur on Saturday, killing two members of a family and wounding three others.