By Express News Service

SRINAGAR: Violence continued in Kashmir on Saturday with a 20-year-old civilian and a 21-year-old Army jawan being killed in separate incidents. Clashes marked Eid celebrations in the Valley as stone-pelting protestors — many wielding Pakistani flags — and security forces fought at several places after prayers on Friday.

Army jawan Bikas Gurung was killed when Pakistani troopers targeted a patrol party along the line of control in Rajouri district.

A youngster identified as Sheraz Ahmed was killed when a grenade exploded in his hand at Brakpora village in Anantnag district.

“Preliminary investigation reveals that a hand grenade exploded resulting in the death of Sheraz Ahmad due to splinter injuries. We are awaiting further details,” PTI quoted a police spokesman as saying, adding the victim’s right hand was severely damaged.

Over a dozen protestors were injured in the skirmish. Clashes also took place in Srinagar’s Safakadal area, where large crowds had gathered to offer Eid prayers, and in Sopore and Kupwara in north Kashmir.

Officials said the biggest gathering was witnessed at Hazratbal shrine where thousands of faithful offered Eid prayers. The second largest gathering was held at Eidgah in the old city. Large gatherings for Eid were also held in Sonawar and Soura Shrines in the heart of the city, they said, adding similar prayers were offered at all district headquarters and major towns.

“It was a bloody run-up to Eid and sadly a day of prayer and celebration has been marked by more bloodshed, pain and suffering,” tweeted former chief minister Omar Abdullah.

On Friday, a teenager was killed in Pulwama when troops opened fire after a violent mob attacked an Army area domination patrol.

35 terrorists waiting to infiltrate

Intelligence agencies warned on Saturday at least 35 Lashkar-e-Toiba terrorists are waiting to infiltrate across four points on the Line of Control. The unilateral ceasefire announced by the government for Ramzan also ended on Saturday