Four protesters killed in Jammu and Kashmir town

At least four people were killed and about two dozen others injured in Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir Thursday in a clash between a group of protesters and the security forces, police said.

Alleging desecration of a mosque and beating up of an Imam by some Border Security Force (BSF) personnel, a group of protesters stormed a BSF camp in Gool town of Ramban district, around 145 km from here.

Police said that four people were killed and about two dozen got injured when the BSF troopers opened fire during clashes with agitated protesters.

"Two dozen people have been injured in the clashes between the security forces and the protesters. Doctors at the hospital said that five of the injured had bullet injuries," a senior police officer told IANS.

The injured also include some BSF personnel, he said.

High tension gripped Gool, Ramban, Chanderkote and Batote towns in the district.

A violent mob also tried to set afire the district magistrate's office in the district headquarters town of Ramban. Police were trying to bring the situation under control.

Protesters blocked the strategic Jammu-Srinagar national highway at some places.

Minister of State for Home Sajad Kitchloo and top police officials have rushed to Ramban to take stock of the situation.