AlJazeera.net continues its coverage of the violent clashes in Indian-administered Kashmir (particularly in Srinagar), which have already lasted more than eight days. It reports that the violence stems from protests over a “controversial plan to transfer land to a Hindu trust organization.” The aim was to provide 99 acres of land to the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board, which assists hundreds of thousands of pilgrims to come to the holy site. As the New York Times reported on June 28, 2008, the protestors are accusing the Indian government of planning to build Hindu settlements in “India's only Muslim-majority state in an effort to change the demographic balance in the region.” This would arguably negatively impact their religious identity, although the Indian government has flatly denied the allegations. The fears of the local Muslim population, however, have not been calmed. Since the announcement of the land allotment on June 23, four people have died and more than 300 injured. Two days ago, Kashmir's chief minister said the plan was dropped, but it's not clear in media sources, whether there has been “a formal revocation.” This news (and the unfortunate violence) directly relates to religious communities, such as Muslims in Kashmir, and their fear of “marginalization.”
(Photo from the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board website)