2 youth killed in army firing on protesters in Indian-controlled Kashmir

SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, Jan. 27 (Xinhua) -- At least two civilians were killed and one wounded Saturday after Indian troops fired upon protesters in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, police said.

The contingent of Indian army fired upon civilian protesters at Ganowpora village of Shopian district, about 60 km south of Srinagar city.

"Today two youth were killed and one wounded after being hit by bullets fired by a contingent of Indian army," a police official posted at Shopian told Xinhua. "The army contingent was on a routine patrol in the village when it came under stone pelting."

Reports said the killings triggered protests in the area with hundreds of people taking to streets shouting anti-India slogans and demanding an end to New Delhi's rule.

Indian army spokesman said the troops opened fire in self-defence to "prevent the lynching of a Junior Commissioned Officer by a mob."

The local government meanwhile has ordered a probe into the incident. Enditem