Originally posted by the Voice of America.
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Militants Call for Shutdown in Kashmir

by VOA News

   Separatists in Indian-administered Kashmir called for a shutdown Monday
   in the strife-torn state to protest deadly clashes with security forces
   the day before that killed 13 rebels, four civilians and three
   soldiers.

   Security has been increased in the region, ahead of more expected
   skirmishes.

   Schools and businesses are closed.

   Kashmir has been the center of a deadly tug-of-war between India and
   neighboring Pakistan since the end of British colonial rule in 1947.
   The Muslim-majority Himalayan territory is divided between the
   nuclear-armed rivals, but both claim Kashmir in full.

   Kashmir rebels have battled Indian forces for decades, demanding either
   independence or a merger with Pakistan.