J&K: Two killed during anti-poll protests

Two men were killed in separate incidents in north Kashmir's restive Baramulla town on Saturday afternoon, when paramilitary troopers opened fire to control agitated mobs, who were protesting against holding the state assembly elections.

Authorities had imposed an undeclared curfew in Baramulla, in the wake of strong anti-poll protests in the town after Friday prayers. Today's anti-poll protests broke out despite strict security restrictions across the town.

The police said that in the first incident, the armed escort of Congress candidate Mir Mushtaq fired at protesters, who were pelting stones at him, in Khanpora locality. Manzoor Ahmad Kumar, a class ten student, was killed on the spot.

The protesters violated the curfew restrictions and carried the body of the slain youth to the old town area. Clashes broke out between the security forces and the agitated protestors and the Central Reserve Police Force personnel fired at them.

Three protesters were injured in the incident and one of them, identified as Tanvir Ahmad Sheikh, was critically injured. Sheikh succumbed to his injuries before he could be shifted to the hospital.

Tension has gripped Baramulla and additional paramilitary and police forces have been rushed to the town.

Baramulla goes to polls in the fourth phase of the elections on December 7.