Indian authorities were struggling Monday to contain protests by Kashmiris angry after 22 people were killed in weekend demonstrations, as youths defied a curfew to rally in the streets against the killing of a top anti-India rebel leader.

Paramilitary troops and police in riot gear patrolled villages and towns in the Himalayan region, abc news reported.

Most shops were shuttered, businesses were closed, and cellphone and mobile internet services were suspended in parts of the region. But by noon Monday, crowds were ignoring the clampdown to gather in parts of the main city of Srinagar and other locations.

At least 21 civilians and one policeman have died from wounds sustained in clashes Saturday and Sunday, as law enforcement officers used live ammunition, pellet guns and tear gas to try to break up the protests.

Source: MENA