Thousands hold anti-India protests in Kashmir

SRINAGAR: Thousands of Muslims in Indian Kashmir held fresh demonstrations against Indian rule Friday, ending a week of calm in the insurgency-hit region, police and residents said.

A separatist committee spearheading recent anti-India demonstrations had called on people in the Muslim-majority Kashmir Valley to observe a strike after midday Friday and "hold peaceful demonstrations against India's rule.

"Thousands of Muslims in summer capital Srinagar took to the streets after attending weekly Friday prayers, chanting "we want freedom" and "Go India, go."