VOA标准英语2008年-Death Toll Rises as Protests Continue in Kashmi

At least 13 people have died as Indian security forces opened fire on protests led by Muslim separatists in Indian-controlled Kashmir. Shahnawaz Khan reports for VOA from Srinagar that police killed four people Monday who were trying to lead a march to Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-controlled territory.
　
Kashmiri Muslims look at burnt vehicle belonging to one of party workers of a pro¹ Indian political party after it was set on fire by protesters in Srinagar, 12 Aug 2008

At least three of the protesters were shot in the town of Bandipora, located about 60 kilometers north of Kashmir's summer capital of Srinagar. The other protesters were killed at separate demonstrations² near Srinagar and in Kishtwar District.

The demonstrations were held despite a curfew imposed Monday, after Kashmiri separatist leader Sheikh Aziz and three other people were shot and killed by Indian forces trying to stop thousands of Muslim protesters from marching to the Pakistan-controlled part of Kashmir.

Kashmiri separatist leaders held the march to protest what they say is an economic blockade by Hindu extremists in the Himalayan region.
　
Kashmiri Muslims wave Pakistan's national flag during the funeral procession of Sheik Abdul Aziz, leader of All Parties Hurriyat Conference, in Srinagar, 12 Aug 2008

Hindu protesters have blocked a major highway leading to the Muslim-dominated Kashmir Valley, disrupting the flow of supplies to the region. The fruit industry, in particular, has taken a big hit.

"By this economic blockade they have completely finished the apple industry at least for this year. Because our crop was ready and it came back," said Mubeen Shah is the President of Kashmir Chamber³ of Commerce and Industry.

The Hindus are demanding that the government re-instate a land transfer to a Hindu shrine⁴. The government recently backed off the plan after Muslims held violent protests against what they termed "Hindu colonization⁵."

Kashmir is divided between Pakistan and India, and claimed by both. Muslim separatists have been fighting for Kashmir's independence from India or for the region's merger⁶ with Pakistan.

 

1 pro   

n.赞成，赞成的意见，赞成者

参考例句：

• The two debating teams argued the question pro and con.辩论的两组从赞成与反对两方面辩这一问题。
• Are you pro or con nuclear disarmament?你是赞成还是反对核裁军？

2 demonstrations   

证明( demonstration的名词复数 )； 表明； 表达； 游行示威

参考例句：

• Lectures will be interspersed with practical demonstrations. 讲课中将不时插入实际示范。
• The new military government has banned strikes and demonstrations. 新的军人政府禁止罢工和示威活动。

3 chamber   

n.房间，寝室；会议厅；议院；会所

参考例句：

• For many,the dentist's surgery remains a torture chamber.对许多人来说，牙医的治疗室一直是间受刑室。
• The chamber was ablaze with light.会议厅里灯火辉煌。

4 shrine   

n.圣地，神龛，庙；v.将...置于神龛内，把...奉为神圣

参考例句：

• The shrine was an object of pilgrimage.这处圣地是人们朝圣的目的地。
• They bowed down before the shrine.他们在神龛前鞠躬示敬。

5 colonization   

殖民地的开拓，殖民，殖民地化； 移殖

参考例句：

• Colonization took place during the Habsburg dynasty. 开拓殖民地在哈布斯堡王朝就进行过。
• These countries took part in the colonization of Africa. 这些国家参与非洲殖民地的开发。

6 merger   

n.企业合并，并吞

参考例句：

• Acceptance of the offer is the first step to a merger.对这项提议的赞同是合并的第一步。
• Shareholders will be voting on the merger of the companies.股东们将投票表决公司合并问题。