Kashmir unrest: Youth killed in protests in Bandipora; toll climbs to 78

20 year old Murtaza Ahmed was hit by a tear smoke shell resulting in his death, while several others are injured

A youth was killed while several others were injured as fresh clashes broke out between security forces and stone-pelting protestors in Kashmir where authorities have imposed curfew in all 10 districts.

Soon after the Eid prayers ended in Bandipora, a group of protestors started pelting stones at security forces who retaliated by firing tear smoke shells and pellet guns, a police official said.

He said 20-year-old Murtaza Ahmed was hit by a tear smoke shell resulting in his death. Several others were injured in the security forces' action in Bandipora town.

Clashes were also reported in South Kashmir's Anantnag district as body of a youth, who went missing during protests two days ago, was found by local residents in Shopian district, a police official said.

Shahid Ahmed was found dead in Zainapora area of the district, the official said, adding, the cause of his death is being ascertained.

Local residents alleged the youth had died due to pellet injuries sustained during a protest.

With these deaths, the toll in the ongoing agitation in Kashmir has gone upto 78.