Two people shot dead in Kashmir: police

have been fighting Indian-rule since 1989 and often target pro-India politicians and people they suspect of working for the security forces. The unrest has left more than 47,000 people dead by official count. –File photo


SRINAGAR, India: Two people were dragged from their homes and killed by suspected Muslim rebels in Indian-administered Kashmir, police said on Saturday.


They were killed separately late Friday in the southern district of Pulwama, a police spokesman said.

One of the victims was Mohammed Iqbal, who was associated with the ruling National Conference party and had campaigned for it during last year's state elections in the district.

The second victim, Nazir Ahmed, was killed in a neighbouring village, police said, blaming militants for the deaths. No rebel group has claimed responsibility.

Rebels have been fighting Indian-rule since 1989 and often target pro-India politicians and people they suspect of working for the security forces. The unrest has left more than 47,000 people dead by official count.

Meanwhile, the army said Saturday it was investigating whether the shooting of three Indian border guards in southern Poonch district was also by militants.

The three soldiers were injured, one of them critically, on Friday near the de facto border dividing disputed Kashmir between nuclear-armed rivals India and Pakistan, Indian military spokesman Biplab Nath told AFP.

‘Three Border Security Force personnel were injured, one of them seriously,’ Nath said. ‘We're seeking to ascertain whether it was a militant attack or firing by Pakistani soldiers.’

India and Pakistan have fought two of their three wars over mainly Muslim Kashmir, held in part by each country but claimed in full by both.