Four people were killed on Monday when Indian security forces opened fire on stone-throwing protesters during fresh demonstrations against Indian rule in held Kashmir, police said. A total of 69 protesters and bystanders have been killed over the past three months, mostly by security forces who have used live ammunition on rallies after being pelted with stones.
The latest deaths, including that of a teenage student, occurred in Palhalan, about 30 kilometres (18 miles) north of occupied Srinagar, police said. "Security forces opened fire in self-defence after they were attacked with stones during a rally," a police officer said, asking not to be named.
He said one protester died on the spot while 18 others were wounded. "One of the injured died on way to hospital," the officer said, adding that two more of the injured died in hospital. He said the condition of two others was serious. The fresh deaths brought more people onto the streets of Palhalan, chanting pro-independence slogans, a local photographer said. They blocked the main highway and pelted stones at security forces and attacked government buildings.
Witnesses said the slain student was not part of the protest. Residents told visiting reporters that security forces opened fire at peaceful demonstrations and that no one among the protesters hurled stones Authorities have launched a probe into the incident.
"Senior police officers have taken a serious view of the firing. Ammunition of the policemen is being checked to fix the responsibility," an official statement said. "Those found involved shall be proceeded against strictly according to law without any favour," it said.