Another youth killed, more huge demos in Kashmir

There have been massive demonstrations in Indian-administered Kashmir over the killing of a second teenage boy in one week.

On Saturday thousands of men, women, and children took to the streets of Kashmir’s summer capital Srinagar.

“Blood for blood, we want freedom,” the protesters shouted.

Demonstrators marched with the body of 16-year-old Zahid Farooq in the Nishat area of Srinagar, Reuters reported.

Witnesses say Farooq was killed on Friday evening when security forces opened fire on a group of youth without provocation.

Farooq’s death is the sixth over the past month that locals have blamed on Indian government forces.

Paramilitary soldiers extended a curfew in most parts of Srinagar for a third straight day on Saturday.

Separatist leaders say the Indian government should hold the security forces accountable for human rights violations in Kashmir.

Despite the risks, it seems the Kashmiris are determined to continue their “people power” movement.

Political analysts say the frequent street protests of the past two years are giving new life to the Kashmir liberation struggle.

Over the past two decades, the conflict in Kashmir has left over 47,000 people dead by the official count, although other sources say the death toll could be as high as 90,000.