Over a dozen people were hurt Sunday when Indian police fired teargas and used batons to disperse hundreds of Kashmiris protesting arrests of separatists, doctors said.

Violent protests continued for the second day running in summer capital Srinagar after three key separatists were sent to jail on Saturday under a tough security law that allows detention for up to two years without trial.

Human rights activists term the Public Safety Act `draconian.`

The three -- Yasin Malik, Ghulam Nabi Sumji and Moulvi Showkat -- were arrested for opposing state elections scheduled to take place in seven phases, starting November 27.

They had also participated in huge anti-India rallies since June. Separatists and Muslim rebels oppose Indian-held elections arguing they strengthen New Delhi`s hold over the disputed scenic region.

`We have treated over a dozen people here,` a doctor, Altaf Ahmed, said at Srinagar`s main hospital as injured protesters started arriving.

Police and paramilitary soldiers ran from one quarter to another to chase the stone-throwing protesters, who were chanting, `we want freedom` and `Allah is great,` witnesses said.

`Despite arrests our peaceful struggle for freedom will continue,` said senior separatist Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.

In the past few months, Kashmir has witnessed the biggest pro-independence demonstrations since an insurgency erupted in 1989. The protests have been met with a tough crackdown by Indian security forces.