Authorities in Indian-controlled Kashmir have banned the publication of a local newspaper. They say its contents could incite violence in the disputed Himalayan region.
Kashmir is divided between India and Pakistan. But both claim the region in its entirety. Most people in the Indian-controlled portion favor independence or a merger with Pakistan.
Over the weekend the Indian government ordered the English daily "Kashmir Reader" to halt publication.
Kashmir is witnessing its largest protests against Indian rule in recent years. The protests and a sweeping security crackdown have all but paralyzed life in the region.
This summer, the government shut down printing presses and banned newspapers from publishing for three days in a sweeping information blackout after days of anti-India protests. Officials claimed the government action was aimed at saving lives and strengthening peace efforts.
Kashmir's most widely circulated newspaper, "Greater Kashmir," claims that the latest ban shows that the government is willing to "take extreme measures" to muzzle the press.
More than 80 civilians have been killed and thousands injured in violence related to the ongoing protests. Government forces have fired bullets and shotgun pellets at rock-throwing protesters. Two policemen have been killed, and hundreds of government forces have been injured in the clashes.
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