02 February 2004	Monday	10 Zilhaj 1424

LUCKNOW, Feb 1: Three people including two politicians were killed and half a dozen injured on Sunday when police opened fire at an unruly mob in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, a spokesman said.

The incident occurred in Konch, a small town in Jalon district, about 250 kilometres from the state capital, Lucknow. Two ruling Samajwadi (socialist) party leaders and another person was killed in police action when they, along with many others, surrounded the Konch police station, protesting against the arrest of some local traders on graft charges.

Policemen inside the station were forced to open fire to prevent the mob from raiding it. A huge mob remained outside the police station demanding the release of the traders. -AFP