Protesters try to storm Indian Kashmir airbase

SRINAGAR • Hundreds of protesters tried to storm a military airbase in Indian Kashmir yesterday , the third day of deadly clashes between government forces and demonstrators angered by the killing of a popular young rebel.

Police said 30 people have now died in the violence, most of them protesters.

The protesters at the airbase were repelled without casualties, according to an army officer. Protesters also set police stations and vehicles on fire.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

Indonesia to execute at least 2 this year

JAKARTA • Indonesia will execute at least two convicts, including foreigners, this year, the attorney-general said yesterday.

Mr H. M. Prasetyo said the prisoners would be executed by firing squad soon, but did not elaborate on the crimes of which they were convicted.

Indonesia executed 14 people last year, mostly foreign drug traffickers, and has vowed to ramp up that number despite international condemnation.

REUTERS

5 accused of criticising new Thai Constitution

BANGKOK • A Thai journalist and four activists were charged yesterday under a law banning criticism of the junta's new Constitution, which will be voted on in a referendum next month.

Taweesak Kerdpoka, a reporter with the news outlet Prachatai, was arrested on Sunday morning alongside four members of the New Democracy Movement, one of the few groups that dare to challenge the military.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

Sri Lanka arrests son of former president

COLOMBO • The eldest son of Sri Lanka's ex-president, Mr Mahinda Rajapaksa, was arrested on a money laundering charge yesterday, days after being named shadow foreign minister. Mr Namal Rajapaksa was remanded into custody for accepting more than US$500,000 (S$675,000) from an Indian company, police told a Colombo judge.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE