Srinagar
One more person was killed, taking the death toll of civilians to four near the encounter site in Khudwani area of south Kashmir’s Kulgam district.
Earlier, three civilians Sharjeel Sheikh (25) of Khudwani, Bilal Ahmad Tantray (16) of Hawoora Mishpora and Faisal Illahi (14) of Melhoora Shopian died while as more than 60 others suffered injuries in clashes with the government forces near the encounter site at Wani Mohalla, Khudwani, Kulgam.
The 30-year-old- man Aijaz Ahmad Palla son of Mohammad Siraj of Batpora, Nagbal at present Tulkhan village in Bijbehara suffered critical injuries in clashes with government forces at Khudwani.
Palla was taken to nearby hospital where doctors declared him brought dead on arrival.
A police official said that the investigations were underway to ascertain how the man was killed.
The official said that searches are underway to find out any militant body. So far no militant body has been recovered.
The official also did not rule out the possibility of militants having escaped from the encounter site.
An army man was killed and two other forces personnel were injured in the operation so far.
The gunfight broke out late last night after the joint team of army’s 1 RR, SOG and CRPF launched the cordon following inputs about the presence of some militants.
Police in a statement issued here said that one Army personnel identified as Sepoy S Gunakar Roy No. 16121860/K who was injured in the ongoing gunfight succumbed to his injuries.
Two more Army personnel were injured and shifted to hospital for treatment, he said.
In the said encounter three civilians identified as Sarjeel Sheikh of Khudwani, Bilal Ahmad Tantray of Frisal and Faisal Ilahi of Melhoora Shopian who were injured in the crossfire have also succumbed to their injuries, he said.
Moreover, 12 persons have also received injuries in the process and are being treated at different hospitals. They are stated to be stable, the spokesman said.
The search operation is on, and details shall follow, the spokesman said.
We request citizens not to fall prey to any speculations and rumours which are intended to disturb the peace. J&K Police seeks your cooperation for maintaining peace, the spokesman added. (GNS)
