KASHMIR: Two people were killed yesterday after soldiers opened fire on protesters agitating by a large lake in northern Kashmir province over the drowning of 22 children and two school officials in an overcrowded naval boat.
The incident, in which two people were also injured, came after divers pulled another five bodies from Wular Lake, one of Asia's largest fresh water lakes 70km north of Indian-administered Kashmir's summer capital Srinagar.
An Indian navy boat meant to carry only 10 people had capsized on Tuesday after sailors agreed to give over 30 children aged seven to 17 a joy ride. The bodies of 15 children were recovered soon after but locals and bereaved parents were furious with navy personnel, alleging that the two sailors in charge had jumped out before the vessel sank.
The Indian navy patrols Wular Lake which is 25km long and 10km wide to prevent militants, fighting for an independent Muslim homeland since 1989, from hiding on its many islets.
Army spokesman Vijay Batra said up to 100 children from the Burning Candle School at Handwara north of Srinagar and their teachers were picnicking at Wular lake on Tuesday and on seeing the naval boats requested a ride.
The sailors reportedly sought permission from senior officials and conceded to the children's requests although they knew the vessel could hold only 10 adults.
"During the ride the students got excited and shifted their weight to one side, which led to the boat capsizing," the spokesman said. Navy personnel managed to rescue 12 children and a teacher.
"It was a friendly gesture that transformed into a tragedy," Col Batra stated adding that the navy had ordered a court of inquiry into the accident.
The Indian Navy headquarters in Delhi said it deeply regretted the incident and announced a US $45,000 grant to the bereaved families.
Reuters add: Pakistan and India agreed to fight terrorism of all forms yesterday, but their pact was immediately overshadowed by an attack on two tourist buses in Srinagar, that wounded at least 21 people.
The two sides ended two days of talks between senior interior ministry officials as part of a peace process launched in 2004 to resolve all outstanding issues, including their long and bitter dispute over the Himalayan region of Kashmir.
Since they started the peace process, India and Pakistan have agreed to upgrade diplomatic, economic and sporting ties, as well as transport links.
But they have both accused each other of sponsoring terrorism. India accuses Pakistan of backing militants fighting its rule in Kashmir, while Pakistan says India is helping rebels in its Baluchistan province.
Yesterday's grenade attacks by separatists on two tourist buses in Indian was the second attack on Indian tourists in a week.