Kashmir unrest: Youth killed in fresh clashes, death toll climbs to 58

One youth was killed and another critically injured after fresh clashes broke out today between protestors and security forces in Kashmir, taking the death toll to 58, even as curfew remained in force in some parts of Kashmir.

A youth injured in clashes between protestors and security forces at Batamaloo in the city was brought to SMHS hospital with "grievous injuries", a police official said.

The doctors declared him "brought dead", he said adding efforts are on to ascertain the identity of the deceased. In another incident in Bijbehara town of Anantnag district, one youth was critically injured after being hit by a tear smoke shell in the head, the official said.

Earlier, a youth injured during clashes last week succumbed at a hospital today. Ishfaq Ahmad Bhat, who was injured during clashes between protestors and security forces in Tangmarg area of Baramulla district on 12 August, succumbed at SKIMS hospital. Bhat had sustained injury to his head.

"Curfew remained in force in five police station areas of old city and Hazratbal zone in Srinagar district and Anantnag town in south Kashmir as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order," the police official said. He said restrictions on the movement of the people were in force in rest of the Valley.

Stringent security arrangements were put in place for the Independence Day celebrations but militants struck in Nowhatta area of the city, killing a CRPF officer and injuring nine other security personnel.

Two ultras were also shot dead in the encounter today. Internet and mobile services across the valley remained suspended as part of the security drill ahead of the Independence Day celebrations.

-With inputs from PTI