Kashmir protests widening into pro-independence campaign: report

"All of those killed this week were Muslims, shot by police. The situation remained tense Wednesday when Indian security forces eased a total curfew so that residents could stock up on food. Last year, Indian police were accused of murdering innocent civilians and passing them off as militants to gain promotions.

"The latest troubles have also stoked deep enmities between Kashmir's Muslim and Hindu communities, after years of relative peace. There are fears such tensions could spread throughout India if Hindu groups choose to politicize the issue ahead of elections next year. Indeed, flag-waving Hindu protesters stopped traffic along roads leading to the capital, New Delhi, on Wednesday."