Two killed in fresh clashes in Srinagar

Government moved in soldiers to help restore normalcy in Kashmir Valley that remained shut for the 64th day

Kashmiris protest the detention of Hurriyat leader Mirwaz Umar Farooq in Srinagar on Saturday. Pic/PTI

Srinagar: Two men were killed in fresh clashes with security forces on Saturday in the Kashmir Valley that remained shut for the 64th day.

Police said the deaths occurred in two south Kashmir villages where hundreds took out demonstrations defying restrictions on the assembly of four or more people. Security forces fired tear gas canisters, pellets and cane charged the protesters, several of whom were injured in Tukroo village of Shopian and Botengoo village of Anantnag, police said.

The deceased were identified as Sayar Ahmed Sheikh (25), and Yawar Ahmed (23). With this, the death toll rose to 78 in the ongoing turmoil.

The fresh violence came as hundreds of soldiers started moving towards south Kashmir — the worst hit region in the unrest — to help the civil administration re-establish authority in the Valley.

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