Raised tensions News of the shootings raised tensions across north Kashmir where reports said hundreds of people took to streets in protest at the deaths. Shah, villagers told reporters, was the sole breadwinner for his family of seven. However a police spokesman said the shopkeeper was a militant killed in a gun battle with SOG forces in a nearby jungle area. The SOG, has been coming under repeated criticism during the ongoing ceasefire for arresting suspects and civilians and allegedly killing them in custody. On Wednesday protesters gathered in the town of Barramulla to denounce what they say was the custodial killing of a local youth, identified as Khursheed Ahmed, whom the SOG suspected of having links with pro-Pakistan guerillas.
Many locals say they view the official Indian ceasefire announcement with suspicion.
They say there are many reports of Indian security forces conducting operations against underground guerillas despite an official cessation of hostilities against them. The latest shootings are expected to deal a severe blow to the peace process initiated by the government in Indian administered Kashmir and comes just days before the end of the current ceasefire which comes for review on February 26. An AOL Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved. Terms under which this service is provided to you.