Held Kashmir paralysed by rape protest

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OCCUPIED SRINAGAR: A general strike paralysed Indian occupied Kashmir (IoK) on Saturday in a second day of protest against the alleged rape of a woman by two soldiers in the revolt-hit region.

The strike shut most shops, schools and offices in occupied Srinagar and other major towns of the scenic Muslim-majority area and came after protesters on Friday torched a government vehicle and clashed with police.

The 25-year-old married woman from the southern district of Kulgam alleged she was abducted and raped by two armed men wearing Indian army uniforms on Tuesday.

Kashmiri separatists who called the one-day strike demanded an independent probe by human rights groups or the United Nations.

"It (the alleged rape) has once again exposed the real face of forces and substantiated that they are using rape as weapon of war here," said hardline separatist Syed Ali Geelani.
The Indian army said Friday it was taking the allegations seriously. "If there is any truth to the allegations, then it is a criminal act and strict action must be taken," Kashmir valley army chief S.A. Hasnain told reporters in Srinagar. Wary of unrest, police have set up a special team to investigate the latest incident while the army has also launched its own probe.

The protests were the first major demonstrations this summer and raised concerns that the region might see a return to the street violence which has rocked the state over the last three years, leaving scores dead.

State Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said a identity parade of soldiers would be held, adding that the "guilty won't be spared".