Two protesters killed in Kashmir

Two protesters in Indian Kashmir were killed on Monday when security forces opened fire to disperse angry demonstrators, police said, in the latest of a series of fatal clashes.

Eight Kashmiri civilians have now been killed in incidents involving Indian security forces in less than three weeks, with each death sparking further violent protests that lead to more firing from paramilitary troops.

The troops on Monday opened fire as protesters tried to demolish a military bunker near Sopore town, about 50 kilometres north of Kashmir’s summer capital Srinagar, a police officer who declined to be named told AFP.

“They fired in self-defence,” he said, adding that a 22-year-old Muslim man was killed and three others injured.

Another youth was killed when security forces opened fire to disperse a separate demonstration in Delina village in northern Baramulla district, the officer said, as protesters readied to march into Sopore.

Sopore has been under curfew since Friday after two young men died when soldiers opened fire as protesters attacked their vehicle.

Authorities closed all schools and colleges in the Kashmir valley for two days in an attempt to thwart the escalating public unrest after separatist groups called on Muslim students to hold protest rallies against Indian rule.

In an earlier incident on Monday, seven people were injured when security forces clashed with protesters in Sopore.

Published in the Express Tribune, June 29^th, 2010.