Two Kashmiris killed in protest against PM

By Sheikh Mushtaq

SRINAGAR (Reuters) - At least two people were killed in Kashmir on Friday in a protest against Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to inaugurate a train link and power project.

Over the past two months the disputed region has seen some of the biggest anti-India protests since a separatist revolt against Indian rule in 1989. About 40 people have been killed by security forces and more than 1,000 wounded.

On Friday, two were killed and about 75 people were wounded when police fired bullets and teargas shells and used batons to disperse Muslim demonstrators who marched the streets in Srinagar, the summer capital, shouting "We want freedom".

Police said clashes between protesters and troops broke out in other major towns.

Singh offered new dialogue with the separatists to end the violence.

"The government welcomes dialogue with all sections of people," he told a news conference. "I urge that whoever has complaints and grievances should come forward for a dialogue."

Earlier, Singh, accompanied by Sonia Gandhi, leader of the ruling Congress party, inaugurated a 450-megawatt hydro power project at Baglihar Dam on the Chenab river, which flows from Indian Kashmir into Pakistan.

Pakistan has objected to the dam, saying it will shrink its access to water. India has rejected the charge and says the project is crucial for power-starved Kashmir.