Terrorist, civilian killed in south Kashmir

SRINAGAR: One terrorist was killed during an encounter with security forces in south Kashmir's Anantnag district on Tuesday while one civilian succumbed to bullet injuries in a reported crossfire between militants and the Army. In north Kashmir's Baramulla district, two militants and nine Over Ground Workers (OGWs) were arrested, said a Jammu and Kashmir police spokesperson.
Security forces had launched a search operation in Larnoo Kokernag village of Anantnag to eliminate terrorists from their hideouts when the militants opened fire. In the ensuing gunfight, one terrorist identified as Mohammad Furhan Wani was killed, said the spokesman. A native of Kudwani, Wani had joined militancy in June 2017.

The encounter was still going on till last reports came in. Meanwhile, clashes erupted between civilians and the forces as hundreds of youth took to the streets, shouting pro-freedom and anti-government slogans. Demonstrators made announcements from the mosques in the locality, inviting others to join the protests. Security forces used teargas shells and pellets to disperse the protesters.

Some civilians pelted stones at an Army camp in Kudwani, even as few militants hidden in the mob fired at it, claimed police. Soldiers allegedly opened fire in retaliation and two civilians sustained bullet injuries in the ensuing crossfire. One of them, identified as Khalid Ahmed Dar (22) from Kudwani, later succumbed.

Chief minister Mehbooba Mufti ordered an inquiry into the civilian death. An FIR has been registered at Kulgam police station in this connection.

In Sopore area of Baramulla district, two militants and nine OWGs were arrested in a joint operation by Police, Marine Commando (MARCO), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Indian Army on Tuesday.

The militants identified as — Mushtaq Ahmad Chopan alias Haroon, a resident of Wagad Tral and Shujauddin Sheikh, a resident of Dadsara Tral — had reportedly travelled to north Kashmir to recruit local youth for terror outfits Jaish-e-Mohammad and Hizbul Mujahideen, said Sopore SSP Harmeet Singh. "An AK-47 rifle, magazine, 15 rounds, pistol and a magazine, two hand grenades, four mobile phones and three pistol rounds were also recovered from their possession," Singh added.