Authorities in Indian-controlled Kashmir have extended a curfew to most of the disputed Himalayan region in an attempt to prevent an anti-India protest march to a prominent shrine, but clashes erupted as thousands defied the restrictions.

AT least 40,000 people in Pakistani-controlled Kashmir died in last week’s earthquake, a Pakistani official said yesterday.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh headed to India’s portion of disputed Kashmir today for the start of a partial troop withdrawal hailed by rival Pakistan as an important step toward easing tensions over the Himalayan region.

Two suspected Islamic militants stormed an army camp in Kashmir killing 12 soldiers before they were slain, as India’s president wrapped up a three-day visit to the strife-torn Himalayan region.