3 more protesters killed in Kashmir

Three protesters have died of injuries sustained during clashes in Indian-administered Kashmir, bringing to 105 the number killed in the protests.

Police say the trio, who were injured during clashes with Indian security forces on Saturday and last week, died on Sunday in two separate hospitals.

The protests, which have lasted for three months, initially erupted after a 17-year-old student was killed by police in June.

Demonstrations in Kashmir continue despite a round-the-clock curfew. And Kashmiris have defied the curfew, pelting security forces with stones.

On Saturday, Indian security forces again opened fire on pro-independence protesters, killing three and injuring over a dozen.

At least 105 protesters, including children, have lost their lives in the region during the past three months.

Amnesty International has asked India to take immediate steps to protect and respect human rights in Kashmir and to investigate the killings of demonstrators by police.

The London-based human rights group in a Saturday statement urged New Delhi to order security forces to refrain from using firearms against demonstrators, AFP reported.

“Security forces should use the minimum force necessary to defend themselves or others against an imminent threat of death or serious injury. They should not employ intentional lethal use of firearms except where such use is strictly unavoidable in order to protect life,” it said in a statement.

Pakistan, which also rules part of Kashmir, has slammed India for its brutal crackdown on demonstrators.