SRINAGAR: For the third day on Tuesday, the border district of Kupwara witnessed violent protests against the killing of three boys by the Army at Bangargund. Ten persons, including six policemen, were injured in clashes.

People from Bangargund and adjacent villages marched towards Kupwara town to continue their protest. Clashes ensued after the police stopped them at Gugloosa. The protesters threw stones at the police and tried to set afire two trucks carrying rations. They also damaged four other vehicles.

The demonstrators put up roadblocks and did not allow vehicles to ply. The entire district observed a shutdown.

Superintendent of Police Sunil Dutt, told The Hindu that the situation was tense but under control. Two trucks suffered minor damage. "Some miscreants tried to create problems but they were contained." A heavy deployment of police and paramilitary forces was made in the area.

In Srinagar, 10 activists of the moderate faction of the Hurriyat Conference, including Islamic Political Party chairman Mohammad Yousuf Naqash, were taken into preventive custody. They were trying to take out a procession in violation of the prohibitory orders.

Kashmir bandh today

Hurriyat Conference chairman Syed Ali Geelani termed the probe ordered by the Government into the killings of the boys an "eye-wash" and called a Kashmir bandh for Wednesday.

Mr. Geelani told reporters that human rights violations reached new heights and "despite tall claims, there is no end to these violations."

He alleged that Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed had no control over the situation.

"The Government has not made public a single report of the so many probes ordered in the past, and their integrity is also doubtful."

Mr. Geelani said "if he has a human heart he should resign."

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