3 militants killed during search for Bukhari killers
PULWAMA OP Teen boy killed in police firing on stone pelters trying to help militants escape; 8 civilians injured
Three militants were believed killed in an operation in South Kashmir’s Pulwama town on Friday, during which a schoolboy was also killed and eight civilians injured as locals clashed with police in attempt to break the security cordon and help the militants escape.
Locals said army and police’s special operation force launched the operation at Chatpora locality soon after Friday prayers following information about the presence of militants in a house.
The search team came under fire and the encounter started.
People rushed towards the encounter site to break the cordon; however, police prevented them from moving near the spot. In the clashes eight civilians were injured, and Faizan Ahmad Khan, who was hit by a bullet, succumbed. Khan is son of a doctor and student of class IX.
“A youth was killed and more than six civilians injured in the clashes,’’ Medical Superintendent Pulwama, Rashid Parra said. “Two injured were referred to Srinagar for advanced treatment.”
J&K’s Director General of Police, S P Vaid said reportedly three militants are trapped and
SRINAGAR:
exchange of firing is going on. He did not confirm the militants had been killed.
“The firing is going at the encounter site. Also, clashes between locals and police erupted in the neighbouring areas,’’ Showkat Ahmad who lives in Pulwama town, told HT.
Hurriyat chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said that killing of civilians continues in Kashmir.
”As operation “wipe out” by Govt forces against Kashmiris continues unabated, one more civilian,16 yr old Faizan Ahmad Khan, resident of Khrew Pampore killed by forces as live ammunition and pellets were used to disperse protesters in Chatpora Pulwama, Dozens injured!’’ tweeted Mirwaz.
Earlier a militant was killed in another gun-battle with security forces in Trehgam of Kupwara district. Officials said a patrolling unit of the army noticed the movement of some militants in the forests early on Friday. As the army challenged them, an encounter broke out in the area and a militant was killed.
In another incident militants lobbed a grenade at an army patrolling party in Shopian’s Ahagam, injuring three soldiers.
The three injured soldiers were evacuated to a hospital. Their condition is stated to be stable, an army spokesperson said.