Two civilians were killed by the government forces near encounter site at Bandigam village of district Shopian in South Kashmir on Sunday.

The two youths have been identified as 17-year old Mohammad Asif Mir of Rohmoo Pulwama and Zubair Ahmad of Ayangund-Rajpora.

Both of them were hit with bullets when they were trying to save militants who were holed up in a house in Bandigam village.

Earlier hundreds of youths had assembled near the encounter site and engaged with stone pelting with forces, which in turn retaliated with tear gas shells, pellets and bullets.

During the clashes scores including Asif and Zubair were injured. However, the duo later succumbed to their injuries.