Protests paralyze Indian Kashmir

Srinigar: Protesters gathered for a seventh day on Sunday against what they claim is a government plan to build Hindu settlements in the mainly Muslim Indian Kashmir.

Businesses, schools and government offices remained closed as separatists and civic group leaders vowed to press on with the protests.

Thousands of police and paramilitary officers tried unsuccessfully to keep protesters off the streets on Sunday; firing tear gas and live ammunition to disperse the crowd.

At least three people have been killed and hundreds wounded in days of protest. Scores of vehicles were also set on fire as angry protesters burned tires and blocked roads.

Police also attempted to enforce what amounted to an undeclared curfew. "We're not allowing anybody to come out on the streets," said police officer Hilal Ahmed.

The protests were sparked by the recent transfer of 40 hectares of land by the state government to the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board, a trust running a Hindu shrine.

Protesters believe Indian authorities plan to turn the structures into a permanent settlement for Hindus to change the religious balance in the Muslim-majority region.

Indian officials dismiss the allegations, saying India has never tried to encourage Hindu migration to the region, India's only Muslim-majority state.