A student was killed allegedly during an ambush operation of the Army in north Kashmir's Kupwara district, triggering protests by locals.

Manzoor Ahmad Magray, 22, was allegedly shot dead by the troopers of 4 Para of the Army, who had laid an ambush in Chogal area of Handwara town, 85 kms from here, in Kupwara district, official sources said.

The sources said the youth had ventured out during the night and the security forces challenged him.

Magray failed to pay heed to the warning of the troopers, following which they opened fire which led to his death, they said.

The killing of Magray led to protests in Chogal as the residents demanded arrest of the Army personnel involved in the killing, the sources said.

Protests were going on in the area till last reports came in.

A defence spokesman refused to comment on the incident, saying the Army will be issuing a statement shortly.

This is second incident of a civilian getting killed in Kupwara district in as many months. An unidentified youth was allegedly shot dead by security forces at Warnaw in Lolab area of Kupwara on January 4.