Jammu and Kashmir: Three militants killed in encounter with security forces; civilian dies in clashes

Security forces on Saturday killed three militants in an encounter even as a civilian died in clashes between protesters and law enforcement agencies near the encounter site in Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir, police said. A CRPF officer was injured in the encounter but is now stable and recovering in a hospital, said CRPF spokesperson. Three photographers were injured in the clashes.

Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Tabela Chattabal in Safakadal following inputs about the presence of militants in the area. “The search operation turned into an encounter after the hiding militants fired upon the search party of the security forces, who retaliated,” an official said.

While locals allege that the civilian who died during clashes was crushed by vehicle belonging to security forces, police claim that he died in an accident and the forces were not involved.

The encounter broke out this morning after security forces launched a cordon and search operation in the area following inputs about the presence of militants there. Mobile Internet services have been suspended in Srinagar in wake of the encounter, another official told PTI.

Meanwhile, a militant opened fire on Special Police Officer Showkat Ahmad Dar near his house in Pulwama’s Rahmoo. The officer has been shifted to a hospital.

On Friday, security forces had claimed to have busted a militant hideout in North Kashmir’s Baramulla and suspended the search and cordon operation launched two days ago. The operation was launched on Thursday afternoon after a joint team of 44 Rashtriya Rifles and Special Operation Group of Jammu and Kashmir police received an input that two to three militants were hiding in Drangbal on the outskirts of Baramulla.