Two youths were killed on Saturday during clashes between security forces and protesters in south Kashmir, taking the death toll in the ongoing unrest in the Valley to 75. Sayar Ahmad Sheikh was hit by a tear smoke shell in the head at Tukroo when security personnel were trying to disperse a group of stone-pelting protestors, a police official said. Restrictions are in place in the area under Section 144 of CrPC, which prohibits assembly of four or more people. The official said Sheikh was rushed to the sub-district hospital at Rajpora where doctors declared him brought dead. Another youth, Yawar Bhat, died in security forces' action after protestors indulged in stone pelting at Botengoo in Anantnag district, the official said. Bhat sustained pellet injuries during the clashes, he said. With this, the toll in the unrest has now risen to 75 in two months. Several other persons were injured in the two incidents. Clashes were also reported from the old city area and Budgam district, where at least a dozen people have been injured, he said. The situation across the Valley continues to be tense, he added. On Friday, Army chief General Dalbir Singh reviewed the security situation in the unrest-hit Valley, especially in the four worst-affected districts in south Kashmir. His visit paralleled with speculations of army taking more "active" role in curbing protests and bringing situation under control.

The sources said the army chief visited defence formations in the north and south of the Valley to get first hand account of the situation from the officers on the ground.

"The army chief was informed about the steps to be taken to help the civil administration restore normalcy, particularly in south Kashmir,"sources said.

Gen Singh also visited foward locations along the Line of Control in Kupwara district to review the preparedness of the anti-infiltration grid, they said. He also met Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra later before heading back to Delhi.