Teenager killed as Rajnath visits Kashmir

Srinagar, Aug 24 (IANS) An 18-year-old boy was killed in firing by security forces in a south Kashmir village on Wednesday as Home Minister Rajnath Singh arrived here to review the situation after weeks of unrest in the valley.

A police officer said Amir Gul Mir was killed after he sustained pellet injuries in a clash between protesters and security forces in Pinglina village of Pulwama, some 30 km south of Srinagar.

The teenager was removed to a hospital where he succumbed, the officer said.

With Mir's death, the toll in the ongoing Kashmir unrest has risen to 69 -- including two policemen.

Thousands, including civilians and security personnel, have been injured since the violence erupted after the July 8 killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani.

The fresh killing came as Rajnath Singh reached Kashmir to review security and hold talks with civil society members as well as politicians of Jammu and Kashmir.