Kashmir Clashes Leave 20 Dead

Kashmir. AFP has reported that the death toll from clashes between police and members of the protesting group in Kashmir has reached 20.

Supporters of the United Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which has been protesting against the government demanding economic and governance reforms, have continued their protests with advance demonstrations despite being banned last week under anti-terrorism laws.

AFP has reported, citing officials, that earlier seven people, including three civilians and four police officers, had died and dozens were injured. AFP has reported that local government Education Minister Malik Zafar said that seven people died in clashes between protesters and police this week in his constituency Kotli.

Rawalkot city's top civil official Commissioner Sardar Wahid said that 12 people, including four police officers, had died. Mirpur city's senior police officer Khurram Iqbal said that one protester died in clashes with police on Wednesday.

Many shops in the main city Muzaffarabad have been closed this week in support of the JAAC's call for businesses to shut down, and mobile and internet access has been limited.

JAAC members have condemned the