SRINAGAR, Dec 22: Police in Indian-held Kashmir arrested a young woman accused of throwing stones at government forces during anti-India protests two years ago. She had been charged with attempted murder, a police officer said on Saturday.

Zahida Akhtar was arrested on Friday in the southern town of Anantnag and was also charged with instigating protests, said police officer Ramesh Jalla.

A court freed Ms Akhtar on bail later on Saturday pending trial, the officer said.

In 2010, the disputed territory witnessed some of the largest protests against Indian rule.

Police say more than 3,000 cases involving thousands of Kashmiri people are being investigated for their participation in the protests.

Adil Ahmed Dar, Ms Akhtar’s brother, denied the police claim and said she was hit by a police bullet and had to drop out of school.

“I took her to the police station after police came to my shop and said she was wanted for an inquiry. When we reached there, they simply arrested her,” Mr Dar said.

“This is even worse than jungle rule. First they almost made her an invalid. Now, after two years they’ve arrested her,” he said.

A Kashmiri movement leader condemned the arrest and said India had converted Kashmir into a “police state”. “On the other hand, they’ve not brought to book any police or soldier involved in 2010 killings,” said Syed Ali Shah Geelani in a statement.—AP