Kashmir protesters clash with army

Hundreds of protesters have clashed with troops in the Kashmiri city of Srinagar, as they rallied for an end to Indian rule in the region.

At least seven demonstrators and four soldiers were injured in the unrest on Friday, the region's senior police official said.

Protesters, chanting "We want freedom" and "Indian troops leave Kashmir," set fire to a checkpoint and pelted the soldiers with rocks.

Army used tear gas and fired warning shots to disperse the crowds.

Syed Ali Shah Geelani, a separatist leader, had called for a shutdown of shops and other establishments in the town.

He led thousands of people in a march after Friday prayers, demanding the withdrawal of Indian forces from the India-administrated part of Kashmir.

India and Pakistan have fought two of their three wars over the predominantly Muslim Himalayan region, which is claimed in full by both countries.

India has an estimated 700,000 soldiers in Kashmir to counter groups that have fought Indian rule since 1989.

More than 40,000 people have been killed and over 200,000 displaced in the uprising and subsequent Indian crackdown.