Six killed in Kashmir poll violence

Six civilians were killed in Indian-administered Kashmir yesterday when police opened fire at protesters who stormed polling stations during a by-election for a parliamentary seat, a top officer said.

State and paramilitary police fired bullets and shotgun pellets as thousands of protesters shouting slogans against Indian rule charged into voting booths in Budgam district near the main city of Srinagar.

"Violent protests happened at many places in Budgam. Protesters damaged and snatched EVMs (electronic voting machines) at some places," Shantmanu, the state's chief electoral officer, told AFP.

"Six civilians were killed and 70 were wounded," Shantmanu, who uses only one name, told reporters.

Many were grievously injured with bullets fired by police and paramilitary troops, hospital sources in Srinagar said. The electoral officer said more than 100 government personnel, including police and paramilitary officers were also injured in the clashes.