Death toll rises to three in Handwara army firing, Dozens of youths detained after clashes

A 55-year-old woman, who was injured in Handwara army firing Yesterday, succumbed to her injuries at SKIMS Soura, reports said on Wednesday.

By passing away of Raja Begum, the death toll rises to three.

Two youths including a budding cricketer were killed and six others were injured when government forces opened fire on protesters in Handwara in north Kashmir. The youth were identified as Nayeem Qadir and Mohammad Iqbal.

Raja Begum was among the injured who was admitted in SKIMS.

Meanwhile, dozens of youths have been taken into preventive custody following massive clashes over the alleged molestation bid and killing of three youths in army firing on Tuesday in Handwara area of frontier district of Kupwara.

Police sources said that at least 35 youths have been taken into custody during the last night.

Authorities have imposed a strict curfew in Handwara town where tension has increased further after reports of death of woman who had suffered a bullet injury yesterday reached the town.

All the exit and entry points of Handwara town at Kulangam, Chotipora and Bhagatpora have been sealed with police and paramilitary forces in riot gear manning the barricades.