Strike over Kashmir school fire

Protesters suspect arson

Shops and businesses have closed in the summer capital of Indian-administered Kashmir after one of the oldest schools in the city was destroyed in a fire.

The 115-year-old Islamia High School was completely burned down in the blaze in Srinagar early on Monday.

It is not clear what started the fire - rumours it may have been arson sparked angry protests when news broke.

The school produced some of Kashmir's most influential figures, including top politicians and intellectuals.

The ancient brick and wood building with high arched windows and ceilings of cedar logs was engulfed in flames after the fire broke out at around 0300 local time on Monday (2130 BST on Sunday).

'Glorious past'

The school was run by a trust headed by a leading Muslim cleric and moderate separatist leader, Mirwaiz Umer Farooq, and was established in 1889 by his family.

Police were out in force to quell unrest

"It seems to be the handiwork of those elements who want to rob Kashmir of its glorious past," he was quoted as saying by the AFP news agency.

Mr Farooq's family has often been targeted by suspected hardline militants.

"We suspect mischief. It doesn't seem to be an accident," senior police official Javed Ahmad told the Associated Press news agency.