Violent protests in Indian-held Kashmir after rising tension over beef ban

Published September 25, 2015
Internet services blocked for two days to prevent Muslims from uploading photos of animal sacrifices. -AP
Internet services blocked for two days to prevent Muslims from uploading photos of animal sacrifices. -AP

SRINAGAR: Government forces have fired tear gas and used batons to quell thousands of anti-India protesters who turned violent after Eid prayers in various mosques in India-held Kashmir.

Police say the protesters, waving Pakistani flags, hurled stones at government forces who tried to stop them from marching in Srinagar and at least two other places in the region on Friday.

Authorities tightened security and blocked all mobile and landline Internet services for two days as a measure to stop Muslim protesters from uploading pictures of animal sacrifices, especially slaughter of cows which are worshipped by Hindus.

Tension has been building in the region after a court upheld a law banning slaughtering cows and selling beef in the region, a decision resented by Muslims.

Read: Indian forces fire at protesters, wound two near Srinagar

Opinion

Editorial

Afghan strikes
Updated 26 Dec, 2024

Afghan strikes

The military option has been employed by the govt apparently to signal its unhappiness over the state of affairs with Afghanistan.
Revamping tax policy
26 Dec, 2024

Revamping tax policy

THE tax bureaucracy appears to have convinced the government that it can boost revenues simply by taking harsher...
Betraying women voters
26 Dec, 2024

Betraying women voters

THE ECP’s recent pledge to eliminate the gender gap among voters falls flat in the face of troubling revelations...
Kurram ‘roadmap’
Updated 25 Dec, 2024

Kurram ‘roadmap’

The state must provide ironclad guarantees that the local population will be protected from all forms of terrorism.
Snooping state
25 Dec, 2024

Snooping state

THE state’s attempts to pry into citizens’ internet activities continue apace. The latest in this regard is a...
A welcome first step
25 Dec, 2024

A welcome first step

THE commencement of a dialogue between the PTI and the coalition parties occupying the treasury benches in ...