SRINAGAR, India-controlled Kashmir, March 20 (Xinhua) -- The Indian Army Friday decided to indict three of its soldiers over the deaths of two civilians last month in India-controlled Kashmir, said the Indian military.

    This took place after the local government here found a Junior Commissioned officer and two soldiers involved in the killing of two civilians, rather than militants, in Bomai- Sopore village, north of Srinagar.

    Indian army spokesperson in Srinagar, J.S. Brar told Xinhua that a high level Indian army court of inquiry headed by an officer of the rank of Brigadier has indicted a junior commissioned officer and two soldiers of 22 Rashtriya Rifles involved in the incident.

    "The soldiers have been found accountable for various lapses. The court observed the soldiers have failed to exercise restraint in the handling of their weapons during the incident. Disciplinary action against the three individuals has been ordered by General Officer Commanding," Brar said.

    Earlier, the Indian army had refused to hold inquiry into the incident and termed the local government inquiry invalid.

    The deaths of Muhammad Amin Tantray and Javid Ahmed Dar triggered massive protests across the India-controlled Kashmir, with the chief minister of the region, Omar Abdullah ordering a magisterial inquiry into the incident.

    The inquiry report, the copy of which was sent to New Delhi, indicted troops stationed in the area for killing two civilians.

    Indian Defense Minister A.K. Antony has earlier promised that the military would punish those found guilty in the incident.