The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, Srinagar

Indian police clashed with Muslim protesters in revolt-hit Kashmir Thursday after a senior separatist was detained. Yasin Malik, the head of pro-independence Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), was detained in a raid on his residence in summer capital Srinagar late Wednesday, a police officer told AFP.

He gave no reasons for the detention, which came a day after Malik launched a campaign for a boycott of upcoming state elections. The elections in the scenic Himalayan region will be held in seven phases between November 17 and December 24. Separatist politicians have boycotted all the elections held by India in Kashmir since the eruption of an insurgency in 1989. They argue that taking part in elections legitimises India's hold over the disputed region. News of Malik's detention brought angry youths onto the streets of Srinagar. They raised blockades by burning tyres and hurled stones at police, who retaliated with baton charges.