SOLDIER KILLED IN BARAMULLA ENCOUNTER

ARMY SPOKESMAN IDENTIFIED THE VICTIM AS RIFLEMAN RAM BABU, WHO SUCCUMBED TO INJURIES INFLICTED DURING AN OP IN BARAMULLA’S RAFIABAD

SRINAGAR: An army soldier was killed in a militant shootout in north Kashmir’s Rafiabad area while militants managed to escape during search and cordon operation in north Kashmir’s Hajin area on Friday morning.

Officials said army’s 32 Rashtriya Rifles launched a cordon-and-search-operation at Kachalu village. As the operation was underway, militants opened fire on the army party that left one soldier injured, who was shifted to hospital where he succumbed to injuries.

Army spokesman confirmed the soldier’s killing and identified him as Rifleman Ram Babu Shahi.

“The soldier was killed during operation Kachalu in Rafiabad on Friday,’’ he said.

Army and police on Friday morning launched cordon and search operation in north Kashmir’s Hajin town. However, as the searches was going on, militants opened fire on the army and managed to escape.

But villagers came out from their houses and pelted stones on the forces.

To disperse the protesters, police used lathi charge and fired tear smoke shells.

Later, the operation was called off. The internet that was suspended was also restored.

Officials said they had inputs about the presence of militants at Hajin, who by taking an advantage, had managed to escape.

For the past one year, Hajin has been hotbed of militancy. Especially foreign militants had managed to establish bases in Hajin and its adjoining areas.

Some local youths have joined militant ranks and in the past one year, dozens of operations were launched in Hajin and its adjoining villages.