Shopian gunfight triggers protests, teen killed in firing

SECURITY FORCES ALSO KILLED TWO MILITANTS AT CHAIGUND VILLAGE

SRINAGAR: A 17- year-old boy, Shak ir Ahmad, was killed after security forces allegedly opened fire on protesters near an ongoing gun battle between security forces and militants in south Kashmir on Wednesday evening. Police said that the boy was killed in the crossfire.

Two militants were also killed in the encounter at Chaigung village of Shopian. “Two terrorists have been neutral is ed and weapons have been recovered. Unfortunately one boy was also killed in the crossfire and two ladies sustained injuries. Search is still going on,” tweeted J&K DGP, Shesh Paul Vaid.

The gun battle erupted after security forces cordoned Chaigund village in Shopian district following inputs about presence of militants there. Local reports said people came out protesting from nearby sites as militants and security forces battled each other. Shakir was killed in firing at Kalamporain Pulwama district. Chief medical officer, Pulw am a said Sh ak ir succumbed to a bullet wound in his chest.

“Di stressed to hear of two girls critically injured & a young boy who lost his life in clashes at Shopian. I pray for this dreadful cycle of violence to end soon .” CM Mehbooba Mufti tweeted.

Separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq tweeted “Blood of #Kashmir’s youth being spilled mercilessly and with impunity! 17 year old Shakir Ahmed #ShotDead as Indian troops fire indiscriminately on protest or sat Chaigund Shopian, 2 girls with bullet injuries on their head shifted to a Srinagar hospital in critical condition!,”