Muslims protest over Kashmir fort

Police in Indian-administered Kashmir have fired teargas shells to break up a demonstration in the capital, Srinagar.

Hundreds of demonstrators marched to protest against the alleged demolition of a mosque inside a 16th century fort.

The demonstrators say that a Sikh as well as a Hindu temple in the fort remain intact - and that only the mosque has been demolished.

Muslims are also angry because the fort has been occupied by Indian paramilitary forces for 17 years.

A large number of people marched in protest at Hyderpora in the city's outskirts after Friday prayers.

Police broke up the protest and took eight people into custody.

Meanwhile, several separatist leaders were put under house arrest on Friday morning to prevent them from organising more public demonstrations over the mosque issue.

These include the chairman of the hardline faction of the separatist All Party Hurriyat Conference, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, and six other leaders.