Death toll in Kishtwar clashes rises to three

The death toll in the communal clashes in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar has risen to three with another body being recovered in the district Monday, officials said.

The body was found in Paddar village.

Locals and relatives alleged that the slain person had taken refuge in the local police station after the clashes, which began Friday, spread to Paddar the next day but members of the local village defence committee (VDC) stormed it, dragged him out and killed him.

VDCs were formed in the far-flung areas of Jammu region to combat militants and their members were provided weapons by the state police.

Kashmiri separatist leaders have been blaming the VDCs for communal clashes in Kishtwar, alleging that weapons provided to them were used during these clashes.

Meanwhile, police carried out a baton charge and used tear gas to disperse a group of women protesters trying to defy curfew in Kishwar town Monday.

"Police intercepted the protestors and dispersed them using batons and tear smoke shells. Curfew is being strictly enforced," an officer said.

Some people have been arrested in connection with the clashes.