Fresh clashes in Kashmir land row

Police have fired bullets and tear gas to disperse big Muslim rallies across Indian-held Kashmir as anger grows over the transfer of land to a Hindu trust.

Protesters say the move would change the demography of the Muslim-majority region - a claim denied by Delhi.

Three people have been killed and hundreds injured, including police, since the protests in Kashmir began on Monday, officials say.

The demonstrations have now widened to focus on pro-independence demands.

Schools, banks, shops and offices have all been closed and paramilitary soldiers and police have been patrolling the streets.

The protests began after the state government transferred 40 hectares of forest land to the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board.

The government says the land is needed for construction of pre-fabricated huts and toilets for the pilgrims.

Separatist groups say the transfer of land is part of a "conspiracy to settle non-local Hindus in the valley with a view to reducing the Muslims to a minority".

Local environmentalists have also protested against the decision.

The unrest has brought back memories of widespread protests that swept the region after a separatist insurgency began in 1989.

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