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Kashmir Korpse Kount
SRINAGAR - Suspected Muslim rebels on Friday gunned down a municipal councillor in the main city of revolt-hit Indian Kashmir in the latest in a string of political killings, police said. Mohammed Ashraf was killed in a residential street of Srinagar, the summer capital of Indian Kashmir where a deadly insurrection has against New Delhi's rule has raged since 1989. "Militants pumped bullets into his body. He was rushed to hospital but died on the way," the spokesman said.Ashraf, who belonged to the main opposition National Conference, was slain as he was headed towards his municipal council office. Municipal elections were held early this year in Indian Kashmir after a gap of nearly three decades that was partly due to restive conditions in the state. Militants opposed the polls, saying they were no substitute for the right to self-determination, and issued death threats against those taking part. So far, rebels have killed half-a-dozen candidates and councillors, police say. Among those slain was a front-runner for the job of Srinagar mayor. No group has claimed responsibility for the latest death. The killings have terrified many councillors and party workers into resigning. Some have published newspaper advertisements pleading for forgiveness from the rebels. Others have stood up during prayer congregations on the Muslim holy day Friday begging the militants to pardon them. Posted by: Steve White 2005-06-04 |
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