Kashmir: Minister killed during election campaign - 13 September, 2002

Islamic extremists shot dead the Pro-Indian Kashmiri Justice Minister and three policemen yesterday in Kupwara, northern Kashmir.

The minister, Mushtaq Ahman Lone, campaigning for the pro-Indian National Conference Party, was shot dead when he was visiting his constituency. His death follows the death of Mehra Behgum, another candidate for the NCP, at dawn on Wednesday.

Attacks by Islamic militants have increased during the election campaigning and there are threats of a boycott by Moslems, who reject any control of Kashmir by India.

Timothy BANCROFT-HINCHEY
PRAVDA.Ru