SRINAGAR, March 16 -- Protesters blocked the Srinagar-Jammu national highway in Kulgam district, demanding police action regarding the deaths of two brothers, who were among three persons missing since last month, officials said.

Showkat Ahmad Bajad, his brother Riyaz Ahmad Bajad, and Mukhtar Ahmad went missing on February 13 while on their way to attend a function at the house of a relative in Ashmuji. However, the trio - who were working as labourers - never reached their destination.

The protesters blocked the national highway near Damjan in Kulgam, demanding that the police initiate an investigation into the case and take action against those whom the kin of the deceased suspect to be responsible for the deaths, the officials said....