Srinagar – Amid calls for boycott by separatist leaders and heavy security cover, voting began for Srinagar by-poll this morning, which was marred with violence resulting in two youths being killed and several injured in firing and clashes.

Two youths were killed and several injured when security forces opened fire on a stone-pelting mob that stormed a polling station at Budgam district in Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency, disrupting polling which saw an abysmally low 3.3 percent turnout at 12 noon.

Those killed were later identified as 20-year-old Mohammad Abbas and 15-year-old Faizaan Ahmad Rather, the officials said.

Internet services in three districts under Srinagar constituency were suspended last night to prevent rumours surrounding polls. Stone pelting incidents were reported from over two dozen other places across the three districts of Srinagar, Budgam and Ganderbal which constitute the Srinagar constituency, the officials said. By-polls to the Srinagar Lok Sabha seat and 10 Assembly constituencies in eight States, including the National capital, began today.