Three civilians, jawan killed in Kulgam clashes

Three civilians and a soldier have been killed in an ongoing encounter and in the violent clashes that spread across south Kashmir's Kulgam district. Over 40 civilians were injured and admitted to the hospitals in Kulgam and Srinagar.

According to hospital sources, three civilians have been declared dead. Over two dozen suffered injuries in clashes, which erupted near the encounter site and in parts of Kulgam.

Earlier, one armyman was killed and three security personnel injured in the exchange of fire between militants and security forces. A police official said the operation is on in the area. "Two Lashkar-e-Taiba militants are believed hiding in the area," said the police.

Kulgam's Khudwani was cordoned off by the security forces on Tuesday night after inputs about the presence of militants in the area.

The civilian killings have sparked students' protests in Kashmir University and a college in Sopore. Internet services have been snapped in parts of south Kashmir. Train service has also been suspended.

Fresh deaths come just a week after four civilians died in clashes on April 1 in Shopian, sparking a wave of shutdowns and protests.