The toll in the incident in which Indian Army soldiers opened fire at protesters in Jammu and Kashmir's Handwara town rose to four on Wednesday, after one more youth was killed in a clash with security forces. A 50-year-old woman had earlier succumbed to the injuries she sustained on Tuesday. Two other youths had succumbed to their injuries on Tuesday.

Clashes between protestors and security forces had started on Tuesday in Handwara in the Kupwara district after allegations that a girl, whose age has not been reported, was molested by an Indian Army soldier. As curfew-like restrictions were imposed in the Valley on Wednesday, an Assistant Sub-Inspector of Jammu and Kashmir Police was suspended for mishandling the law and order situation, reported PTI.

Kashmir's All Parties Hurriyat Conference alliance called for a complete shutdown of the Kasmir Valley on Wednesday, as a protest against the Army's act. Agitations ensued in Handwara, Srinagar and Pulwama districts of Kashmir after the killings, and restrictions were imposed in areas around six police stations in Srinagar.

Earlier, the Indian Army ordered an inquiry into the death of the two youths killed in the firing on Tuesday. Lieutenant Genera DS Hooda, who heads the Udhampur-based Northern Command, informed Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti of the decision following her request to be briefed on the situation, Hindustan Times reported. He assured her that action will be taken after the investigation is complete, an official statement said.

On her maiden visit to Srinagar after taking over the chief ministerial position, Mufti said such incidents have a “negative impact” on the state's efforts towards ensuring peace, adding that the security personnel involved in the shooting in the state's Kupwara district will be meted out with exemplary punishment. Mufti condoled the deaths and urged security forces to exercise maximum restraint and adhere to the standing operating procedure while dealing with protests. She also met with Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, who assured her that an inquiry will be conducted and that the victims' families will be compensated.

The agitation began after a girl, whose age has not been reported, was allegedly molested by army personnel. A police spokesperson said security forces retaliated after a crowd tried to ransack the Army bunker and set it on fire. A criminal case has been registered at Handwara Police Station.