Over a dozen persons were injured after government forces used live ammunition and fired tear gas shells to disperse protesters in Tahab and other areas of Pulwama district in south Kashmir following the death of two militants in a gunfight on Sunday. Express Photo By Shuaib Masoodi 30-07-2017
Two militants were killed early on Sunday in an encounter between security forces and militants in Pulwama districts of Jammu and Kashmir. As last reported by news agency PTI cordon and search operation was underway in Tahab area. Following the encounter, protesters clashed with the security forces in which six civilians were injured. A police official said the security personnel lobbed tear gas shells and fired a few shots in the air to restore law and order in the area, as reported by PTI.
The official said one person, whose identity is being ascertained, was hit by a bullet in the shoulder and rushed to a hospital. Five other persons suffered minor injuries during the clashes, which were going on intermittently till reports last came in, he added. Internet services have also been snapped in Pulwama district.
The police said they received information on Saturday night about the presence of militants in the area. Though the identity and group affiliation of the slain militants has not been ascertained yet, Jammu and Kashmir DGP SP Vaid told news agency, “Initial reports indicate they are from Hizb-ul-Mujahideen.” An SLR and an INSAS rifle has been recovered from the spot, ANI reported.
Speaking to ANI, Commander of 12 Rashtriya Rifles, Harbir Singh, said the militants “used to threat officers and politicians.” State police sources told IANS that the militants were identified as Irfan Sheikh and Abid. However, this could not be independently verified.
In the recent times, the Valley is witnessing an increased number of militant attacks. On Thursday, militants targeted an Army patrol in Shopian district in Srinagar.
with PTI inputs
