LONDON: Earl Attlee died peacefully in his sleep today [Oct 8].

The former Labour Prime Minister had entered Westminster Hospital with what was described as `a minor ailment` on Sept 8.

His condition worsened later in the month, then improved gradually. A hospital spokesman said a `relapse` occurred last night, followed by peaceful death.

A hospital statement later today attributed both the later September aggravation and last night`s f atal relapse to pneumonia.

Queen Elizabeth declared from Balmoral Castle today: `I am greatly saddened by the death of Lord Attlee.

`As a Minister in my grandfather`s reign, a leader in the war and as my father`s Prime Minister, he made an enduring place for himself in the history of our country and the Commonwealth.

`In war and peace he served his sovereigns and the nation well.` Agency [Meanwhile, as reported by an agency in New Delhi,] unofficial estimates put the number of dead in Police firing in Srinagar yesterday [Oct 7] at three.

The riot began at a football game between teams from the Muslim-dominated University of occupied Kashmir and the Hindu and Sikhdominated University of Punjab, and spread throughout the town.

Also yesterday, 500 supporters of the Hindu extremist Jan Sangh Party in Jammu town sacked a school where a festival of Urdu poetry was being held. About 20 persons were injured, and 35 arrested.

Police used teargas to break up the rioting mob that managed to burn part of the school building.

Urdu is the language of India`s Muslims.

It will be recalled that five persons were officially reported killed in clashes in Srinagar on Tuesday last [Oct 3].

Communal riots during the past two months are damaging the tourist trade in the Valley.

Air India today cancelled its planned caravelle jet service to Srinagar due to yesterday`s riot.

Tourists will now be directed to hill stations less af fected by the current violence.