Security forces killed two local Hizbul Mujahideen militants, identified as Shariq Ahmad Sheikh of Takuna, Pulwama, and Shabir Mir of Mihind, Anantnag, at Tahab in Pulwama early on Sunday.
“It was a swift operation in which the two militants were trapped inside the house. They were killed in an exchange of fire outside the residence,” said a police officer.
The authorities snapped Internet services in Pulwama in a bid to prevent public protests. However, residents clashed with security forces in parts of Pulwama, affecting normal life there.
Protesters injured
Over 14 were injured as security forces used tear smoke shells and pellets to chase away crowds of protesters. One seriously injured resident was admitted to hospital. Later, a large number of people gathered at the funerals of these militants, who were buried in their respective districts.
An armed Hizbul Mujahideen “commander” Riyaz Naikoo, who appeared at the funeral of Shariq Ahmad, warned terror groups such as Al-Qaeda and Islamic State and their supporters against “defaming the Kashmir struggle”.
“People should not fall for tricks. Efforts are being made to defame the Kashmir struggle. All people holding the flag of Islam are not necessarily our own,” he said.
The militants raised pro-Pakistan slogans before disappearing.