The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, Srinagar

Tens of thousands of Muslims took to the streets of Indian Kashmir's main city Monday to demand that the United Nations recognise the Himalayan region's right to self-determination.

Security was tight as a mass of people marched towards a local UN office, in defiance of official warnings against holding the rally in revolt-hit Srinagar-still tense after deadly clashes last week.

The UN office in Srinagar houses personnel who monitor ceasefire violations along the heavily-militarised Line of Control, or the de facto border dividing Kashmir between India and Pakistan.

"I have never seen such a big rally in Srinagar," said Abdul Aziz, a 75-year- old shopkeeper who was taking part in the procession.

"I couldn't resist coming out to demand freedom from India," he said, as he marched towards the UN office carrying a placard, "If freedom for Kosovo, why not for Kashmir?"

The marchers included men, women and children, who chanted slogans including "We want freedom" and "We will give blood for Kashmir's freedom." Many also carried green or black flags-symbolising Islam and mourning.

Top Kashmiri separatist leader Shabir Shah said the demonstrators planned to deliver a plea for UN intervention in the wake of last week's shootings of "peaceful protesters". Another separatist, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, said the plea urges the UN "to intervene and help us in achieving the right to self- determination." There are decades-old UN Security Council resolutions calling for a referendum to allow the Kashmiri people to choose between India and Pakistan, but they have never been implemented. Last week 22 Muslim demonstrators were shot dead by security forces in the Kashmir valley as they vented their anger over a blockade of the area by Hindu hardliners.

The tensions between Muslims and Hindus-who are the majority in India - - centres around a small piece of Kashmiri land that was awarded to a Hindu pilgrimage trust, sparking Muslim protests.

The land transfer order was then rescinded, sparking a blockade by Hindus who dominate the south of Jammu and Kashmir state-from where the main road access to the Muslim-majority Kashmir valley comes.