MORE than a dozen protests erupted across Kashmir today, with government forces firing tear gas into the crowds in the disputed Himalayan region after soldiers killed four civilians and two suspected militants.

The shooting at a military checkpoint late last night threatened to spark even more unrest in a region that in recent years has seen renewed rebel attacks and protests against Indian rule.

The authorities locked down parts of the densely militarised region, deploying soldiers and riot police, shutting schools and internet services and ordering people off the streets.