Srinagar, March 9 (IANS): Two suspected Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists and a civilian were killed on Thursday in a gunfight between militants and security forces in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district.
The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), who conducted the operation along with police, said the gunfight started around 4 a.m. in Padgampora village following a tip-off.
Those killed were LeT militants Mohammad Safi Shergujari, 25, and Jahangir Ahmad Ganie, 23, and civilian Aamir Wani, the police said.
However, it was not immediately clear whether the civilian was fatally hit by a stray bullet during the gunfight or was killed during a protest by a group of villagers.
“Our troopers from 130 Battalion and the SOG (Special Operations Group) of Jammu and Kashmir Police killed the two militants after a tip-off that four-five suspects were holed up in Padgampora,” CRPF Deputy Inspector General M. Dinakaran told IANS.
“Following information about a militant travelling in a vehicle in Bandipora town, security forces set up a checkpost outside the Bandipora police station. During the checking operation, the militant travelling in a vehicle fired at the checking party, resulting in injuries to a major.
Over two dozen protestors were injured on Thursday in clashes with the security forces in Pulwama district.
“A group of people started pelting security forces with stones at the gunfight site. Police dispersed the crowd by bursting teargas shells,” the officer said.
Following the gunfight, the Bannihal-Baramulla train service was disrupted since the tracks are close to Padgampora village.
Tension continued in the area even though the clashes had stopped.
Soldier killed in Pakistan ceasefire violation in Poonch
Jammu: An Indian soldier was killed on Thursday on the Line of Control (LoC) in a ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Poonch district.
Army sources told IANS in winter capital Jammu: “Pakistan army resorted to unprovoked ceasefire violation in Krishna Ghati (KG) sector of the LoC in Poonch district today.
“An army soldier was killed in Pakistan firing on the LoC. The Indian Army has effectively retaliated Pakistan firing.”
