Suspected militant among two killed in army firing near Wullar

Srinagar, May 31 (UNI) Two persons, including a suspected militant, were killed and a soldier was injured today when troops opened fire on a group which turned unruly during a demonstration at Watlab where 21 children and a teacher were killed in a boat capsize.

A defence ministry spokesman said troops opened fire when a militant fired from the mob on troops with a pistol, injuring a soldier. He said three suspected persons were also taken into custody.

However, people alleged security forces resorted to unprovoked firing on demonstrators protesting against yesterday's boat tragedy in which 22 people, including a lady teacher, were killed.

The spokesman said a crowd of 500 to 600 people gathered at Watlab when five more bodies were fished out from the Lake this morning.

He said the mob, holding lathis, were proceeding towards the army unit when someone from the group fired from a pistol. Troops immediately returned the fire towards the same direction resulting in the death of two persons.

He said one of the deceased, who had fired, was a militant and a pistol was recovered from him.

He said yesterday, a violent mob set on fire a sentry post and damaged two motor boats of the Navy.

The spokesman said three persons, including two injured, were arrested by the army as they were inciting others.

The injured were admitted to the hospital, he said adding the third was still in their custody.

However, people alleged that security forces resorted to unprovoked firing on the mob which was protesting against the incident in which the students were killed after their boat capsized in the Wullar Lake.

UNI BAS MSJ VC1425