A dark Eid for Kashmir: 3 protesters killed in clashes

Srinagar: Three protesters were killed on Tuesday in clashes between mobs and security forces in the Kashmir Valley on Eid, police said.

A 24-year-old youth identified as Shahid Ahmed was killed in Shopian district when a mob attacked security forces after Eid prayers.

Jallaluddin, 45, died of a heart attack during a clash with police in Awantipora town of Pulwama district.

Police said a tear smoke shell fired at the protesters abruptly dropped into the mosque where Jallaluddin died.

Earlier in the day, another youth, Murtaza, 25 was killed in clashes in Bandipora district.

Authorities have imposed curfew in all the 10 districts of the Kashmir Valley in a bid to prevent violence.

No major Eid congregation was allowed anywhere.

The total toll in the ongoing unrest in the valley -- sparked off by the July 8 killing of Hizbul commander Burhan Wani -- has now risen to 86, according to police.

For the first time in many years, authorities Tuesday imposed curfew in all 10 districts of the Kashmir Valley on Eid even as helicopters and drones have been pressed into service for surveillance.