Indian forces shoot dead six protesters in Kashmir

An Indian paramilitary trooper throws a brick towards Kashmiri protesters on on July 18, 2013 during a protest over the killing of six villagers in Srinagar. Indian paramilitary troops Thursday shot dead six people protesting outside a Border Security Force station in Kashmir, two police officers said. (AFP)

SRINAGAR, India (AFP) – Indian paramilitary troops Thursday shot dead six people protesting outside a Border Security Force station in Kashmir, two police officers said.

The incident happened in Gool, 230 kilometres (143 miles) south of the main city of Srinagar, the officers said on condition of anonymity.

"It is mayhem. Six are dead and dozens injured. The death toll could rise further," said one.

Protesters had gathered outside the Border Security Force (BSF) station to demonstrate against an incident involving troops at a mosque on Wednesday evening, witnesses said.

The troops had entered the mosque in Gool to complain about the loud recitation of prayers by worshippers during the holy month of Ramadan, the witnesses told AFP.

Worshippers gathered outside the security force station from early Thursday to protest at the incident.

"The BSF soldiers fired indiscriminately, downing protesters left, right and centre," one witness who declined to be identified told AFP by phone from the nearby village of Dharam.