Troops, Protesters Clash in Kashmir

SRINAGAR, India (AP) -- Police say protests have erupted at several places in Indian-controlled Kashmir, even as authorities prevented tens of thousands of people from offering Friday prayers in big mosques with a lockdown in place for a seventh straight day.

Government forces armed with automatic rifles and in riot gear fanned across villages and towns ordering residents to stay indoors.

However, police say protests hit dozens of places. At least in one village army troops opened fire and wounded at least two protesters after hundreds of villagers attacked them with stones.

The largest protests in recent years erupted last weekend after Indian troops killed the popular, young leader of the largest rebel group fighting against Indian rule in the region. The clashes have killed at least 32 people and a policeman.

(KA)