Kashmir unrest: 2 killed in fresh protests; toll climbs to 78

Two youths were killed today while several others were injured as fresh clashes broke out between security forces and stone-pelting protesters in Kashmir, where authorities have imposed curfew in all 10 districts.

Soon after Eid prayers ended in Bandipora, a group of protesters started hurling 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 from South Kashmir after a youth, Shahid Ahmed, was killed during fresh protests at Bonpora in Shopian district, another police official said.

With these deaths, the toll in the ongoing agitation in Kashmir has rose to 78.