1st LD Writethru: 3 killed as security forces open fire to control mob in Indian-controlled Kashmir

At least three persons were killed and several others injured on Sunday when Indian security forces opened fire on a stone-pelting mob that stormed a polling station in Indian-controlled Kashmir's parliamentary constituency of Srinagar.

Voting has been currently underway for by-polls to the Srinagar parliamentary seat, where the state's main opposition National Conference party's patriach Farooq Abdullah is contesting against the ruling People's Democratic Party's Nazir Khan.

Officials said violence marred polling in Srinagar parliamentary constituency when hundreds of protesters stormed a polling station at Pakherpora in Chrar-e-Sharief area of Srinagar's Budgam district and ransacked the building.

"Security forces deployed in the area initially fired several warning rounds to disperse the mob, but when it did not relent, they opened fire on the mob, injuring over seven persons, two of whom later succumbed to their injuries," a senior official said.

Those killed have been identified as 20-year-old Mohammad Abbas and 15-year-old Faizaan Ahmad Rather, the official said, adding that both died of bullet wounds.

Violence also took place in Ratxuna Beerwah area, where one person was killed in firing when the security forces opened fire to disperse a stone-pelting mob.

"The deceased has been identified as Nissar Ahmed," another official said.

The Srinagar parliamentary seat fell vacant after ruling PDP leader Tariq Hameed Karra resigned. Endit