2 killed in police firing in J&K, Mehbooba convoy attacked

In the first fatalities during the election process on the eve of the second of the seven-phased polls, Manzoor Ahmad Kumar, a resident of Khanpora, was killed when the Personal Security Officer (PSO) of the Congress nominee from the constituency, who was campaigning in the area, allegedly opened fire at the anti-poll protesters, official sources said. Five people were also injured in the violence.

As soon as the news of death of Kumar spread, protests intensified in the town with more people coming out to the streets, the sources said, adding that security forces opened fire to disperse the protestors in which another youth, Tanvir Shaikh, was killed.

Police fired tear smoke shells and several warning shots to chase away the protestors but in vain, the sources said.

"Two persons died in the hospital while four others with bullet injuries were admitted. One of the injured has been referred to Srinagar hospital for specialised treatment,"

Medical Superintendent of Baramulla District hospital Dr Mohammad Shafi said.

A magisterial inquiry into the killing of Kumar was ordered by Baramulla District Magistrate Baseer Ahmad Khan.

Mehbooba's convoy was attacked in Baramulla town where she was returning after a campaign in Kupwara district. The angry crowd smashed the windscreens of three vehicles and tried to set ablaze one of them, sources said. Three security personnel were injured while trying to whisk her away.