Hundreds in Indian Kashmir protest Bhutto's killing

SRINAGAR, India, Dec 28 (Reuters) - Dozens of police fired tear gas at hundreds of stone-throwing Kashmiris protesting on Friday the assassination of Pakistan opposition leader Benazir Bhutto, witnesses said.

Police were deployed around the main mosque area of Srinagar, the summer capital of Indian Kashmir, as authorities feared more protests after Friday prayers.

Protesters chanted "Long Live Pakistan" and "Long Live Bhutto".

Kashmir is a major territorial flashpoint between India and Pakistan, both of whom claim the region in full but rule it in parts.

Hardline separatists called for a strike on Friday and many shops were closed.

Overall levels of violence have fallen significantly since India and Pakistan began peace talks in 2004.

But Indian officials say more than 42,000 people have been killed since the revolt against Indian rule broke out in 1989. But human rights groups put the toll at about 60,000. (Reporting by Fayaz Kabli; Writing by Alistair Scrutton)