Indian forces are imposing strict security measures inIndian-controlled Kashmir ahead of a new round of voting in localelections scheduled for Saturday.
Authorities have not formallydeclared a curfew, but reports from the region say streets have beendeserted Friday in the main city, Srinagar. Thousands of troops havedeployed in the streets to prevent separatist protests.
Policehave placed two separatist leaders, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Syed AliShah Geelani, under house arrest. The separatist movement has calledfor a boycott of the polls and peaceful demonstrations against Indianrule.
Saturday will be the fifth phase of voting in the disputedregion. The elections began November 17 and will continue throughDecember 24.
They are being held in seven phases so securityforces can patrol each constituency and control possible unrestfollowing months of demonstrations against Indian rule.
Thevoting has been relatively peaceful, and voter turnout in the earlierrounds was relatively high despite separatist calls to boycott thepolls.