VIDEO: Security tight in Kashmir for 'black day' anniversary

Gulf Today Report

Hundreds of extra police and troops were deployed in Indian-administered Kashmir on Thursday as separatist groups called for a shutdown to mark a "black day" on the second anniversary of New Delhi imposing direct rule.

Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan since 1947 with both claiming the territory in full. Fighting in the past two decades in the Indian-controlled part has left tens of thousands dead, mostly civilians.

 Senior police officials along with other security personnel cordon off the area at Nowhatta Chowk, Srinagar. Photo: Umar Ganie

Thousands were arrested, scores of whom remain behind bars two years on.

Ahead of the second anniversary, security forces erected numerous new checkpoints and barricades across Srinagar, with personnel in bulletproof gear checking vehicles and frisking residents.

 Senior police officials along with other security personnel cordon off the area at Nowhatta Chowk, Srinagar. Photo: Umar Ganie

In the Sopore area unknown rebels fired at police as authorities tried to force shopkeepers observing the shutdown to open their doors, an officer told reporters.

District police denied the incident took place however in a post on Twitter.Top separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani, 90, had called for a general shutdown to mark a "black day." The call was supported by several smaller separatist groups who also challenge India's rule over Kashmir.