No Let-up in J&K Violence, 2 Civilians Among 6 Killed
Government forces at Budgam encounter. Picture courtesy: Kamran Yousuf.
Two civilians, three militants and an army personnel were reportedly killed, and several were injured on Thursday, following clashes and gunfights in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).
Government forces cordoned off Noorbagh area from Srinagar district, Panaan Chadoora from Budgam district, Dooru village from South Kashmir’s Anantnag district and Rangward Kralpora from North Kashmir’s Kupwara district.
Following inputs suggesting the presence of militants in Noorbagh, the forces reportedly started cordon and search operation (CASO) in the area. As per reports, a civilian was killed in the firing that ensued. He was identified as Mohammad Saleem Malik, 24, a resident of Bhagwanpora in Noorbagh.
Soon after the alleged killing of the civilian, students of Kashmir University took to the streets, and staged a protest. Clashes were reported from different parts of the old city. Restrictions were reportedly imposed in a few areas of old Srinagar city to prevent protest against the civilian killing.
There were reports of gunfight between the militants and the forces in Panzaan village, at a distance of 20 km from Srinagar. As per reports, two militants, namely, Sheraz Ahmed, a resident of Kralwari and Irfan Ahmad of Nihama Pulwama were killed during the gunfight.
Irfan was a special police officer before joining the militant ranks. On June 27, 2018. Irfan allegedly decamped with his service rifle from Pampore police station in Awantipora area of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district, and joined Hizbul Mujahideen, the militant outfit.
As the news of the killing of militants spread in the area, people from nearby areas reportedly started pelting stones.
According to the reports, at least nine people received pellet injuries in their eyes, eight from the old city were injured, and one from Chadoora. All the injured were admitted to the Shri Maharaj Hari Singh Hospital.
Another encounter between the armed forces and the militants reportedly took place at Dalwach Dooru in Anantnag district, where one army personnel and a “militant” were killed. The slain was identified as Mohammad Asif Malik, a resident of Khahgund Dooru.
In all the three districts, mobile internet connection was snapped. It resumed later in Srinagar.
Earlier on Thursday, Army’s three grenadiers allegedly laid an ambush at Syedpora Rangward in Kupwara district.
As per the reports, a non-local labourer was killed by the army during the ambush.
Meanwhile, the Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL) has called for complete shutdown on Friday against the civilian killing.
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